Wines Bordeaux Château Belgrave, Haut-Médoc 2019 - 2019

Château Belgrave 2019 from the Haut-Médoc, classed under Bordeaux AOC, is a striking red wine typifying the best of the Left Bank tradition. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this blend occasionally includes small portions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, depending on the vintage. The 2019 vintage was notable for its moderate climate, delivering optimal ripening conditions with cool nights and warm days, leading to a harvest offering excellent balance between freshness and ripeness. Château Belgrave is known for traditional vinification with a focus on extracting fine tannins and preserving fruit purity. The wine spends a significant period ageing in French oak barrels, conferring subtle notes of sweet spice and enhancing complexity.

The Médoc region, and specifically Haut-Médoc, lies on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. The area's gravelly soils are perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon, enabling deep root development and excellent drainage—the key to producing wines with structure and longevity. Bordeaux’s temperate maritime climate is moderated by the nearby Atlantic, reducing risks of frost while promoting slow, even grape ripening. The history of Château Belgrave goes back to the 19th century and it is classified as a Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification. Over time, the estate has maintained a reputation for elegant, aromatic reds with the ability to age gracefully.

As for food pairings, Château Belgrave 2019 shines alongside classic Bordeaux dishes such as entrecôte à la bordelaise (rib steak in red wine sauce) or lamb cutlets with herbs. Its firm tannins and black fruit notes make it a wonderful match for roast beef, juicy duck breast, or hearty autumn game. For more adventurous pairings, try with mushrooms, strong cheeses such as aged Comté, or even a rich cassoulet that highlights the wine’s savoury undertones.

Serve this wine at 16-18°C after allowing it to breathe for at least an hour to fully reveal its bouquet of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and delicate floral notes. Decanting is recommended for younger bottles to soften the tannins and deepen the aromatic complexity. This wine will reward careful cellaring but is already delicious with the right meal and some air.