Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Dassault - 2015

Château Dassault 2015 is a red blend typical of the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, located on the Right Bank of the Bordeaux region in Le Libournais. The wine is predominantly composed of Merlot, often complemented by Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the traditional varietals of the area. The 2015 vintage benefited from exceptional weather conditions, with a warm, dry summer and just enough rainfall to ensure optimal grape ripeness. The vinification at Château Dassault adheres to meticulous standards, combining manual harvest, rigorous selection, and ageing in French oak barrels, a proportion of which are new, to add complexity and structure. The result in the glass is a richly coloured and deeply aromatic wine, expressing black cherry, plum, hints of violets and spices, all underpinned by velvety tannins and a subtle mineral freshness.

The Saint-Émilion region is celebrated for its limestone and clay soils, which imbue the wines with both opulence and finesse. The area’s moderate Atlantic climate, with warm summers tempered by gentle oceanic influences, creates ideal conditions for cultivating Merlot-rich blends. Saint-Émilion as an appellation boasts a long and storied history, with vine cultivation dating back to Roman times, and gained official UNESCO World Heritage status for its remarkable viticultural landscape and medieval town.

For food pairings, the roundness and depth of this Grand Cru make it an excellent match for classic French cuisine such as roast lamb with garlic and rosemary or beef filet with a red wine sauce. Regional dishes like duck confit or entrecôte à la bordelaise highlight the wine’s earthy, savoury notes. For a local touch, consider pairing with a Saint-Émilion mushroom tart or aged Comté cheese.

To best appreciate its elegance and complexity, serve Château Dassault 2015 at 16-18°C. Decanting for one to two hours before serving is advised to allow the bouquet to fully open. This wine can be enjoyed now for its youthful fruit but will reward several more years of cellaring with greater nuance and harmony.