Wines Haut-Médoc Château Cru-Beaucaillou - Madame de Beaucaillou - 2019

Château Cru-Beaucaillou’s “Cuvée Madame de Beaucaillou” 2019 from the Haut-Médoc is a refined red Bordeaux, crafted in one of the region’s most renowned sub-appellations. Typically, reds from this area lean towards a blend that heavily features Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with Cabernet lending structure, blackcurrant and cedar aromas, and Merlot bringing softness, plum, and floral notes. The 2019 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by a warm and balanced growing season, suggesting a wine of both concentration and freshness. Vinification for cru classé properties like this often involves careful selection of grapes, temperature-controlled fermentation, and ageing in French oak barrels to bring complexity and elegance.

Haut-Médoc is famed for its gravelly soils, which are ideal for cultivating robust yet nuanced red wines. The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate, with the nearby Atlantic Ocean moderating extremes and aiding vine health. The very name “Beaucaillou” reflects the stony terroir, which helps produce wines with superb clarity and ageing potential. The history of winemaking here runs deep, with estates like Cru-Beaucaillou upholding the Médoc’s tradition of crafting sophisticated reds with a capacity to evolve over several decades.

For food pairing, this wine’s supple structure and aromatic complexity make it a brilliant companion to classic French cuisine. Consider serving it with roast rack of lamb, entrecôte bordelaise, or confit de canard. It will also complement hard cheeses like Comté or aged Cantal, as well as wild mushrooms or truffled dishes that echo the wine’s earthy undertones.

For optimal enjoyment, decanting the wine for at least an hour is recommended to allow the bouquet to fully reveal itself. Serve at 16-18°C to appreciate its aromatic depth and the silkiness of its tannins. If cellared well, this wine will reward patience and continue to develop beautifully over the next decade or more.