Viniou Reviews
Château Roylland 2020 is a red wine from the prestigious Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, situated in the Le Libournais subregion of Bordeaux. Predominantly crafted from Merlot, with smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc and possibly Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine reflects the classic Right Bank blend. The 2020 vintage benefited from favourable weather conditions, resulting in grapes of excellent ripeness and concentration. Vinification follows traditional methods, including careful hand harvesting, extended maceration, and ageing in French oak barrels, which imparts complexity, structure, and subtle toasted notes to the final wine. Expect deep colour, expressive aromas of ripe black fruits, plum, black cherry, and a touch of spice, with velvety tannins and a lingering finish.
Saint-Émilion is an historic region renowned for producing some of Bordeaux’s most elegant and age-worthy wines. The vineyards are planted on a patchwork of limestone plateaus, clay slopes, and sandy soils, which contribute greatly to the complexity and finesse of the wines. The temperate, maritime climate offers moderate rainfall and long, warm summers, ideal for ripening Merlot to perfection. Saint-Émilion itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times, and the Grand Cru classification guarantees a higher standard of vineyard management and vinification.
A wine of this calibre pairs beautifully with hearty dishes that complement its depth and structure. Traditional Bordeaux fare such as entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak with shallot and red wine sauce), lamb shoulder with rosemary, or duck breast would be ideal. For a more local touch, consider a confit de canard or a mushroom and truffle risotto. The wine’s elegance and supple tannins also make it a worthy partner for aged cheeses like Comté, Saint-Nectaire, or Tomme de Savoie.
For optimal enjoyment, decant Château Roylland 2020 for at least one hour prior to serving. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C, which will allow the wine to reveal its full aromatic complexity and refined texture. The wine can be enjoyed now for its youthful vibrancy or cellared for up to a decade to develop greater nuance and tertiary notes.
