Château Parenchère’s Cuvée Raphaël 2021 is a Bordeaux Supérieur red, a classic representation of the region’s accessible yet structured style. While the precise blend is not specified, Bordeaux Supérieur reds are typically composed of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, occasionally with additions of Cabernet Franc or other authorised Bordeaux varietals. The 2021 vintage was shaped by challenging conditions across Bordeaux, resulting in lower yields but wines that often display freshness, bright acidity, and expressive fruit. Cuvée Raphaël, crafted as a prestige wine from selected parcels, is aged with care—often with a proportion of oak—to deliver generous aromatics and supple tannins.
Bordeaux Supérieur by designation comes from vineyards with lower yields and slightly stricter regulations than generic Bordeaux. Château Parenchère is located in the eastern reaches of Bordeaux, where clay-limestone soils and varied exposition encourage a balance between ripe fruit expression and classic structure. The overall climate of Bordeaux—a temperate maritime influence—permits a lengthy ripening season, contributing freshness and varietal character to the wines. With a centuries-old viticultural history, Bordeaux remains globally celebrated for its distinctive terroirs and acclaimed châteaux.
This style of Bordeaux Supérieur pairs beautifully with traditional French dishes such as duck breast with cherry sauce, entrecôte bordelaise, or a classic beef stew. It also lends itself well to robust casseroles, lamb with rosemary and garlic, or vegetarian dishes featuring earthy root vegetables and mushroom ragout. Regional cheeses like Tomme de Savoie or Saint-Nectaire make for a rewarding pairing, particularly when the wine softens and develops with a little aeration.
To fully appreciate this wine, serve at around 16–18°C, after a short period in a decanter to allow the aromatics to unfurl and the tannins to mellow. Enjoy it over the next few years to savour its youthful fruit and lively vibrancy.
