Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Mangot - 2022

Château Mangot 2022 from the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation is a compelling red wine that beautifully encapsulates the hallmark qualities of its prestigious terroir. Primarily composed of Merlot, harmoniously blended with Cabernet Franc and occasionally a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 vintage presents a wine of both elegance and structure. The grapes benefit from meticulous hand-picking, followed by traditional vinification methods and a judicious élevage in French oak barrels, which imparts subtle toast and spice to the finished wine. The result is a deep ruby robe with aromas of ripe black cherry, plum and cassis, complemented by notes of sweet spice, cedar and a refined mineral edge. Tannins are finely wrought, promising both immediate pleasure and excellent ageing potential.

Saint-Émilion, located on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, is renowned for its undulating limestone and clay soils, a key factor in the plush texture and aromatic intensity of its wines. The continental climate, with warm summers and moderated rainfall, allows Merlot in particular to ripen fully, resulting in supple, fruit-forward wines with considerable depth. The region’s viticultural history stretches back to Roman times and it is now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to its enduring significance and the consistent quality of its Grand Cru producers like Château Mangot.

For food pairing, Château Mangot 2022 is a versatile companion. Its generous structure pairs superbly with classic Bordeaux cuisine such as entrecôte à la Bordelaise, duck breast, and roasted lamb with herbs. Local Saint-Émilion dishes such as lamb shoulder confit or a mushroom fricassée would enhance the wine’s earthy undertones. Mature, hard cheeses and rich poultry like guinea fowl are also excellent choices.

It is recommended to decant the Château Mangot 2022 for at least an hour to unlock its aromatic complexity and soften the youthful tannins. Serve between 16-18°C to allow the wine’s layered bouquet and supple palate to fully express themselves.