Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Grand Corbin - 2012

Viniou Reviews

Château Grand Corbin 2012, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, is a distinguished Bordeaux red offering a captivating expression of its renowned terroir. Crafted predominantly from Merlot, complemented by smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 vintage reflects a classic interpretation of the right bank’s style. This year was marked by a challenging growing season, with a cool, wet spring and a warm, dry autumn, resulting in wines of good structure, refined tannins, and pronounced freshness. The vinification at Grand Corbin is meticulous, involving careful extraction and an extended maturation in French oak barrels, which imparts subtle notes of spice and enhances the wine’s elegant texture.

Saint-Émilion, situated on Bordeaux’s right bank, is celebrated for its limestone and clay soils, providing the ideal environment for Merlot’s plushness and depth. The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate, fostering slow ripening and complexity in the grapes. With a long history of viticulture, Saint-Émilion’s medieval village and undulating vineyards are UNESCO Heritage-listed, embodying centuries of winemaking tradition alongside innovation. The Grand Cru Classé status of Château Grand Corbin underscores its commitment to producing wines of pedigree and distinct expression.

For food pairings, this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé finds harmony with roasted or grilled meats such as rack of lamb, duck breast, or beef tournedos. Traditional Bordelais dishes like entrecôte à la bordelaise (beef rib in a red wine and shallot sauce) or earthy mushroom-based recipes will also complement its supple fruit character and well-integrated oak. Aged cheese selections, particularly semi-hard varieties like Comté or Cantal, allow the wine’s savoury nuances to shine.

To enjoy the Château Grand Corbin 2012 at its best, serve it at 16-18°C, allowing it to breathe for at least an hour prior to tasting. Decanting will help reveal its layered aromas of black cherry, plum, subtle spice, and graphite, and the palate’s balanced structure. While charming now, it promises further development with careful cellaring over the next five years.