The Dame de Trotte Vieille 2014 is the second wine of Château Trotte Vieille, an esteemed estate nestled in the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation within Bordeaux’s Right Bank. This red blend marries the classic grape varieties emblematic of the region—primarily Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and often a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2014 vintage was marked by a relatively cool growing season, with a fine late summer allowing grapes to ripen gradually, leading to wines characterised by freshness, elegance, and aromatic precision. The vinification at Trotte Vieille is traditional yet meticulous, with careful extraction and ageing in French oak barrels to preserve fruit intensity and refine tannic structure.
Saint-Émilion itself is renowned for its ancient vineyards on undulating limestone and clay soils, imparting both finesse and depth to the wines. The terroir here lends a unique mineral backbone, particularly beneficial in complex vintages like 2014. The area enjoys a temperate maritime climate, which tempers extremes and supports a long, slow maturation—critical for Merlot to thrive. Saint-Émilion’s history stretches back to medieval times, reflected in its picturesque village and UNESCO-protected vineyards, confirming its status as one of Bordeaux’s jewels.
For pairing, this Grand Cru is wonderfully versatile. Its supple tannins and dark fruit profile make it an ideal match for traditional French fare such as duck breast with cherry sauce, rack of lamb with rosemary, or a beef filet with wild mushroom sauce. Local dishes like “entrecôte à la bordelaise” or a simple roast chicken with herbs also reveal its understated elegance. For a cheese course, opt for aged Comté or a nutty Tomme de Savoie.
To appreciate Dame de Trotte Vieille 2014 at its finest, serve it at 16-18°C, ideally decanted for an hour to unlock its aromatic complexity. The wine is showing well now, offering silky texture and vibrant fruit, but can also reward a few more years of cellaring for added nuance.
