Viniou Reviews
Château Trapaud's Cuvée La Chapelle 2022, classified as a Grand Cru within the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, is a beautiful representation of Bordeaux's right bank mastery. This red wine is crafted mainly from Merlot, traditionally blended with smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a wine that combines richness and finesse. The 2022 vintage enjoyed favourable weather, giving ripe, generous fruit with supple tannin structure—an expressive example of the estate’s meticulous vineyard management and respect for its clay-limestone soils. Vinification aims to preserve the fruit’s purity and freshness, often involving careful extraction and ageing in French oak barrels to add complexity and lend subtle notes of spice and toast.
Saint-Émilion, on the right bank of Bordeaux, is renowned for its centuries of winemaking tradition and unique microclimate. The gentle slopes and patchwork of clay and limestone favour Merlot, endowing wines with velvety texture, balanced acidity, and remarkable ageing potential. The region's history is steeped in monastic influences and continuous innovation, and its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is testament to its viticultural and architectural significance.
Cuvée La Chapelle 2022 is an ideal companion to classic French dishes such as roast lamb with Provençal herbs, duck breast with a cherry or red wine reduction, or beef fillet with truffle jus. Local Saint-Émilion pairings include entrecôte Bordelaise or rich mushroom dishes, and it is equally well-suited to charcuterie or firm cheeses like Comté and aged Gouda. The wine’s supple tannins and aromatic profile also enhance the experience with dishes based on lentils or roasted root vegetables.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru at 16-18°C. Decanting for 1–2 hours is advisable to let the wine fully express its refined bouquet of dark berries, plum, subtle spice, and earthiness. This bottle can be enjoyed young for its vibrancy or cellared for further development over the next decade.
