Viniou Reviews
Château Tour de Pressac 2019 is a distinguished red wine from the celebrated Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, located in the Libournais subregion of Bordeaux, France. This wine is predominantly crafted from Merlot, which forms the backbone of the blend, with supporting roles from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and occasionally Malbec and Petit Verdot, following the traditional Bordeaux assembly. The 2019 vintage benefited from an excellent growing season, marked by moderate spring rainfall and a hot, dry summer, allowing the grapes to ripen fully and develop concentration. Vinification at Tour de Pressac is meticulous, combining modern precision with respect for tradition. After careful selection, the grapes undergo fermentation and gentle extraction, followed by maturation in French oak barrels to refine the tannic structure and add complexity.
Saint-Émilion, one of Bordeaux's most historic and picturesque regions, boasts a unique terroir characterised by its limestone plateaus, clay-limestone slopes, and sandy footslopes. This diversity in soils imparts a distinct mineral character and elegance to its wines. The region enjoys a temperate maritime climate, tempered by the Dordogne River, which aids in achieving phenolic ripeness and balance. Saint-Émilion's viticultural tradition spans centuries, resulting in a mosaic of grand châteaux and smaller family estates, all contributing to the area's reputation for wines of finesse and depth.
Château Tour de Pressac 2019, with its intense aromas of ripe black fruit, hints of violets, and touches of spice and cedar, is ideally suited to pair with classic dishes such as roast lamb with Provençal herbs, duck breast with cherry sauce, or a traditional entrecôte à la bordelaise. Local accompaniments like confit de canard or aged Comté cheese also complement its firm tannins and layered palate.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour before serving to allow the aromas to fully express themselves. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C, which will showcase the wine's generous fruit, refined structure, and lingering finish. This is a wine with ageing potential, but already offers remarkable pleasure and complexity in its youth.
