Wines Lalande-de-Pomerol Château Réal-Caillou - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château Réal-Caillou 2020 is a red wine from the esteemed Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation, located within the Libournais sub-region in Bordeaux. Renowned for its classic Bordeaux blends, this chateau typically focuses on Merlot as the dominant grape, complemented by smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon, though the precise blend is not specified here. The 2020 vintage was shaped by a warm, concentrated season in Bordeaux, yielding wines with remarkable ripeness and supple tannins. Vinification at estates like Réal-Caillou tends to emphasise gentle extraction to preserve the plush fruit, structure, and signature elegance of the region, with maturation commonly in French oak barrels for added depth and complexity.

The Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation sits just north of its illustrious neighbour, Pomerol, on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. This area benefits from a temperate oceanic climate, providing just enough warmth and rainfall to allow Merlot to thrive, producing wines with velvet-like textures and attractive fruit expression. The soils are a patchwork of gravel, clay, and sand, each contributing a unique dimension—gravel for finesse, clay for richness, and sand for aromatic lift. While Lalande-de-Pomerol doesn’t quite command the fame of Pomerol itself, it offers exceptional quality and value, with a long tradition of family-run estates dating back generations.

When it comes to food pairings, Château Réal-Caillou 2020 will shine with classic dishes that mirror its roundness and structure. Think roast lamb with rosemary, duck breast in a plum or cherry sauce, or even a traditional Bordeaux entrecôte à la bordelaise, featuring a red wine and shallot reduction. For local charm, serve alongside confit de canard or a mushroom and truffle risotto. The wine’s supple tannins and ripe fruit profile also work well with aged hard cheeses, like Comté or Ossau-Iraty.

For optimal enjoyment, decant this wine for about an hour before serving to allow its bouquet and flavours to unfurl. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to highlight its aromatic complexity and plush texture. This wine can be appreciated now for its youthful vibrancy or cellared for several years to develop further depth.