Wines Bordeaux Château Pont Charan - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Château Pont-Charan 2024 is a classic representative of the Bordeaux AOC, stemming from the broader regional appellation rather than one of the prestigious sub-appellations. As a red Bordeaux, it is most likely a blend dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with possible additions of Cabernet Franc or Malbec, resulting in a wine that balances supple fruit with structured tannins. The 2024 vintage, being young, is expected to exhibit vibrant aromas of red and black fruits – think cassis, cherry, and plum – with subtle notes of spice and a touch of earthiness typical of Bordeaux’s terroir. Its vinification is traditional, favouring stainless steel or concrete tanks for fermentation to preserve the fruit-forward character, followed by a short period of ageing, often in neutral vessels rather than new oak, lending freshness and accessibility in the wine’s youth.

The Bordeaux region benefits from a temperate oceanic climate, thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic, with moderate temperatures and a relatively high level of rainfall evenly spread throughout the year. The soils here are diverse, mainly gravels, clay, and limestone, contributing to the complexity and structure in the wines. The long viticultural tradition in Bordeaux, dating back centuries, is reflected in both the winemaking expertise and the elegant blending practices that characterise even its entry-level wines.

Château Pont-Charan 2024 will pair effortlessly with charcuterie, grilled meats, and poultry. Its gentle tannic structure makes it a natural companion to roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or a classic French bistro dish such as entrecôte Bordelaise. For a local touch, serve alongside duck confit or a platter of mild cheeses such as Tomme de Savoie.

To fully appreciate its youthful bouquet and fresh palate, serve this red Bordeaux slightly cool, ideally between 15-17°C. Decanting for 30 minutes is recommended to allow the fruit and subtle earthy notes to open up. Enjoy it young for its freshness or keep it a few years to gain a touch of complexity.