Wines Unspecified With Love - 2021

With Love 2021 appears to be a red wine from Bordeaux, though without further specifics regarding its subregion, precise appellation, or grape varieties. As is often the case with Bordeaux reds, there is a high likelihood the wine blends traditional varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, but without verification, it is best to focus on the potential style. In 2021, Bordeaux experienced a rather challenging vintage, with wet conditions requiring careful selection and attentive winemaking, often resulting in reds with a little less opulence and more freshness. The likely profile for a Bordeaux from this year is a moderately structured wine, offering notes of red and black fruits, supported by supple tannins and a refreshing acidity, suggesting an enjoyable and accessible Bordeaux experience.

Bordeaux is an iconic wine region located in southwestern France, renowned centuries over for its prestige and diversity. Its temperate maritime climate, influenced by proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and rivers, allows grapes to ripen steadily while retaining freshness. The soils are famously varied, ranging from gravel (ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon) to clay-limestone (favouring Merlot), enabling an incredible range of wine styles. While the grand châteaux and their world-class classified growths are well known, Bordeaux is also home to numerous smaller producers crafting expressive wines that reflect their terroir, and these are often more approachable in style and price.

To complement a Bordeaux-style red such as With Love 2021, consider pairing with dishes that echo the region's culinary heritage. Classic accompaniments would include grilled or roast meats such as lamb shoulder or roast beef, or a comforting dish like duck confit. For a more rustic option, try hearty stews such as beef bourguignon or a cassoulet, whose savoury richness will harmonise with the structure and fruit of the wine. For a vegetarian pairing, a roasted mushroom and lentil bake would suit the wine’s earthiness and weight.

Serve the wine at a temperature around 16-18°C. If possible, open the bottle an hour in advance or give it a brief decant to allow its aromas to fully express and soften any youthful edges. This Bordeaux is likely to be charming in its relative youth, so it can be enjoyed now or over the next few years.