Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Rozier - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Château Rozier 2022 hails from the renowned Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious right-bank regions. This red wine is typically composed predominantly of Merlot, which thrives in the clay-limestone soils of Le Libournais, often complemented by Cabernet Franc and sometimes a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2022 vintage, marked by a warm growing season with well-timed rainfall, has yielded wines with generous fruit, supple tannins and impressive ageing potential. Traditional vinification methods are the norm here, with an emphasis on careful extraction to preserve both elegance and structure, followed by ageing that allows the nuanced terroir to shine.

Saint-Émilion is a historic winemaking area with records dating back to Roman times. The local terroir is defined by a complex mosaic of soils—primarily limestone with varying proportions of sand and clay—which underpin the appellation’s distinctive styles, marrying richness with finesse. The microclimate, moderated by the Dordogne River, benefits from warm summers and mild winters, ideal for Merlot. The ancient medieval village of Saint-Émilion, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is at the cultural heart of the region and a symbol of the enduring legacy of Bordeaux viticulture.

Château Rozier’s Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is a versatile food wine. Its ripe, plummy fruit and supple texture harmonise beautifully with classic French dishes such as duck breast with a red wine reduction, entrecôte bordelaise, or a richly flavoured coq au vin. It also pairs particularly well with regional dishes like confit de canard or lamb shoulder slow-cooked with thyme. A selection of mature cheeses, such as Cantal or Saint-Nectaire, highlights the wine’s earthy notes.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine an hour before serving to allow its aromas to unfold fully. The recommended serving temperature is 16-18°C, which will showcase both its aromatic complexity and the silkiness of its tannins. This wine can be approached in its youth for its vibrant fruit but will also reward several years of cellaring.