Wines Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux Château La Grave - Nectar - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Château La Grave’s Cuvée Nectar 2022 from the Castillon-Côtes-de-Bordeaux appellation offers a sterling example of modern Bordeaux winemaking on the right bank. Typically, wines from this region are Merlot-dominant blends, complemented by smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. The 2022 vintage benefited from a warm and dry season, resulting in grapes with ideal ripeness and a particularly expressive fruit character. Vinification tends to combine classic methods—including hand harvesting and careful temperature-controlled fermentation—ensuring both the preservation of fresh fruit notes and the potential for moderate ageing. Expect a deep, vibrant red with aromas of black cherry, plum and subtle hints of cedar, offset by fine tannins and an underlying freshness.

Castillon-Côtes-de-Bordeaux is an appellation that borders the prestigious Saint-Emilion region. The area is marked by its varied clay-limestone soils, which provide good drainage and encourage the deep rooting of vines, contributing complexity and finesse to the final wines. The climate here is oceanic, with moderate rainfall balanced by plenty of sunshine, ideal conditions for Merlot and ensuring a lush, velvety texture. The area's history dates back centuries, with wine production rooted in enduring family traditions, and a recent resurgence of quality thanks to investment and renewed focus on terroir.

This youthful, fruit-driven red pairs beautifully with traditional French fare such as duck confit, roast lamb with herbs, or simply grilled entrecôte. Equally, a platter of hard cheeses such as Comté or aged mimolette will complement its well-structured profile. For a touch of local flavour, try it alongside a Bordeaux classic like cannelés at the end of a meal, where the wine’s ripe fruit notes can play off sweet, caramelised accents.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Château La Grave Cuvée Nectar 2022 at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for around 30 minutes before serving will help open up the bouquet and soften the tannins, making for a thoroughly enjoyable tasting experience.