Dame de Trotte Vieille 2014 is the second wine of the renowned Château Trotte Vieille, hailing from the prestigious Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. The blend, predominantly Merlot complemented by Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, reflects the classic composition of the area. The 2014 vintage is marked by finesse, with moderate ripening conditions resulting in a wine that balances freshness and elegance. Ageing in French oak barrels, of which a proportion is new, brings subtle structure and notes of spice, while the careful vinification preserves the natural fruit and supple tannins. In the glass, one can expect expressive aromas of ripe red and black cherries, plum, violet, graphite and hints of cedar, with a palate displaying a silky texture, medium body, refined tannins and an elegant, lingering finish.
The Saint-Émilion region, part of Bordeaux, is famed for its picturesque limestone plateaux and clay-limestone slopes. The soils here are ideal for Merlot, imparting both power and finesse to the wines. Saint-Émilion’s vineyards benefit from a temperate, oceanic climate, with mild winters and warm, sunny summers, encouraging long, even ripening and expressive aromatics in the grapes. This historic region, with winemaking traditions dating back to Roman times, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a reference for world-class, terroir-driven red wines.
For food pairings, Dame de Trotte Vieille 2014’s balance and aromatic complexity invite classic Bordeaux accompaniments such as roast duck breast, grilled lamb cutlets with thyme, or a traditional entrecôte bordelaise with a red wine and shallot sauce. Lighter pairings such as wild mushroom risotto or a rustic poulet rôti also work beautifully, as do Saint-Émilion’s local cheeses like Saint-Nectaire or Cantal for a regional touch.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine between 16-18°C. Allow it to breathe for an hour or two before tasting to reveal its full bouquet and ensure a harmonious palate. The wine is drinking beautifully now but could evolve gracefully for several more years if cellared.
