Wines Haut-Médoc Château Cissac - 2018

Château Cissac 2018 hails from the renowned Haut-Médoc appellation within the Bordeaux region, a classic stronghold for powerful, structured red wines. Crafted mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with the addition of Merlot and sometimes Petit Verdot, this vintage offers a deep ruby colour and an aromatic bouquet of blackcurrant, plum, cedar and subtle hints of spice. The 2018 vintage benefitted from exceptionally warm and dry weather, resulting in a wine of considerable ripeness and concentration, yet with the freshness characteristic of the Médoc’s gravelly soils. Vinification for Château Cissac typically involves traditional methods, including fermentation in stainless steel followed by ageing in oak barrels, which imparts refined tannins and a gentle touch of vanilla and toast.

The Haut-Médoc lies on the left bank of the Gironde estuary and is famed for its gravelly hillocks (known locally as “croupes”) that offer excellent drainage and force the vines to develop deep root systems. The region’s maritime climate makes for mild winters and warm, relatively dry summers, ideal for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape of the area. The Médoc has a rich history, having established a global reputation for elegant, age-worthy clarets since the 18th century, with numerous châteaux – Cissac among them – committed to quality and tradition.

Thanks to its balanced structure and bold character, Château Cissac 2018 pairs wonderfully with classic meat dishes such as grilled ribeye steak, roast lamb with rosemary, or duck breast with red wine reduction. For a regional touch, try serving it with entrecôte à la bordelaise or confit de canard. Mature hard cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda also complement its depth and tannic backbone.

For optimum enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour to soften the tannins and open up the bouquet. Serve at 16-18°C to highlight its refined fruit and subtle oak influence. While already pleasurable, this wine will reward further cellaring for up to a decade, gaining additional complexity and finesse with time.