Château Bertranon 1985 hails from Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, a renowned sweet wine appellation within the wider Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux. As a white, mellow wine, it is likely crafted in the traditional style of the area, which often features late-harvested grapes, sometimes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). The 1985 vintage suggests a wine with several decades of evolution, offering rich, honeyed complexity, dried fruits, waxy notes, and lingering freshness. While cépage details are not specified, wines from this appellation are commonly blended from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, resulting in a profile marked by luscious sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity.
The terroir of Sainte-Croix-du-Mont is distinctive, situated along the right bank of the Garonne just across from Sauternes. The region enjoys a temperate, maritime climate with misty mornings that encourage the development of Botrytis on the grapes in favourable vintages. Its soils, typically a mix of limestone and clay, contribute to the wine’s elegance and potential for graceful ageing. Sainte-Croix-du-Mont carries a history closely tied to its more famous neighbour Sauternes, sharing a long-standing tradition of producing unctuous, age-worthy sweet wines.
With its mellow, mature character, Château Bertranon 1985 is an excellent match for foie gras, blue cheeses like Roquefort, or fruit-based desserts such as tarte Tatin or apricot clafoutis. Classic pairings from the Bordeaux region might include toasted brioche or pâté, which complement the depth and sweetness of the wine without overwhelming it.
To appreciate the full complexity of this aged sweet Bordeaux, serve it slightly chilled, ideally between 10-12°C. Decanting is generally unnecessary, but allowing the wine a little time in the glass to breathe can help unfurl its intricate aromas and flavours.
