Viniou Reviews
Château Grand Rivallon 2022 is a red wine hailing from the esteemed Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, within the Le Libournais subregion of Bordeaux. This appellation is renowned for its refined red blends, typically dominated by Merlot, often complemented by Cabernet Franc and, occasionally, Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2022 vintage comes after a season marked by a warm, dry summer, allowing the grapes to reach full maturity, resulting in wines of ample concentration and polished tannins. Vinification in Saint-Émilion Grand Cru follows rigorous guidelines, with extended maceration and ageing, often in French oak barrels, to enhance complexity, structure, and cellaring potential. While Château Grand Rivallon might not publicise specific technical details, you can expect a deep garnet wine with aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, subtle spice, and integrated hints of tobacco and cedar.
Saint-Émilion’s unique terroir is shaped by its varied soils—a patchwork of limestone plateau, clay-limestone slopes, and sandy foothills—each contributing a distinct profile to the wines. The region enjoys a temperate maritime climate, moderated by the nearby Dordogne River, which tempers extremes and favours slow, even ripening of the grapes. This, combined with centuries of winemaking heritage dating back to Roman times, gives Saint-Émilion wines their characteristic balance of ripe fruit, freshness, and fine tannins. The traditions of the area, now recognisable as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continue to lend an enduring prestige to its wines.
For food pairings, Château Grand Rivallon 2022’s generous fruit and supple structure make it a versatile companion at the table. Classic Bordeaux pairings include rare roast beef, lamb cutlets, or duck breast, as the wine’s tannins harmonise beautifully with richer meats. Regional dishes such as entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak in red wine sauce) or cassoulet would also highlight the wine’s depth and spice. For cheese, seek out local favourites like Saint-Nectaire or aged Comté.
To appreciate its full aromatic complexity, serve Château Grand Rivallon at 16-18°C, ideally after one to two hours of decanting to allow the wine to open up. It is approachable young, thanks to the ripe vintage, but will reward cellaring for five to eight years, gaining additional nuance and integration over time.
