Viniou Reviews
Château La Grâce Fonrazade 2020 is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, hailing from one of Bordeaux’s most renowned appellations. Crafted predominantly from Merlot, often complemented by Cabernet Franc and sometimes a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, this red wine displays the richness and suppleness characteristic of its terroir. The 2020 vintage benefited from a warm, dry growing season, resulting in plush ripeness, structured tannins, and a profound aromatic complexity. Expect aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and plum, alongside notes of violets, cedar, and subtle spices, with a velvety palate supported by balanced acidity and fine-grained tannins. The vinification process typically includes traditional fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels, lending nuances of vanilla, toast, and a creamy texture without masking the purity of the fruit.
The Saint-Émilion region sits on the right bank of Bordeaux, celebrated for its undulating limestone plateaus and clay-limestone soils that suit Merlot remarkably well. The climate is temperate, with both Atlantic and continental influences, ensuring the grapes achieve optimal maturity while retaining freshness. Saint-Émilion’s viticultural history stretches back to Roman times, with centuries of expertise contributing to its Grand Cru classification system, distinguishing wines of particular depth and complexity like Château La Grâce Fonrazade.
Such a refined and layered Bordeaux red pairs exquisitely with slow-cooked meats and rich sauces. Classic French dishes such as beef Wellington, duck breast with a red wine reduction, or rack of lamb with herbs make sublime companions. You can also embrace local traditions with entrecôte à la Bordelaise or a truffled mushroom risotto. For a cheese pairing, opt for aged Comté or Saint-Nectaire.
For an optimal tasting experience, decant the wine for about an hour to allow its bouquet to fully develop, and serve it at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will showcase both the aromatic complexity and the silkiness of the tannins, letting Château La Grâce Fonrazade 2020 reveal its full Bordeaux elegance.
