Wines Bordeaux Supérieur Château Clos de l'Abbaye - Bourrée Palus - 2022

Château Clos de l'Abbaye 2022, Bordeaux Supérieur, reveals all the traditional hallmarks of a classic Bordeaux red in the approachable style so typical of the appellation. The vintage 2022, marked by warmth and sunshine, is likely to have delivered ripe and generous fruit, while still preserving the freshness expected from this notable region. Bordeaux Supérieur is a step up from the basic Bordeaux AOC, generally sourced from older vines or slightly more privileged plots, and often aged a little longer to promote extra depth and harmony. The cuvée "Bourrée Palus" hints at a local identity, perhaps referencing gravelly or alluvial soils (palus) that encourage both richness and aromatic complexity. While official information on the blend isn’t provided, Bordeaux Supérieur reds are classically built around Merlot, bringing supple texture and ripe plum fruit, with Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc providing structure, spice, and dark berry accents. Vinification is usually traditional, with careful extraction to balance vibrant fruit with gentle tannins.

The wider Bordeaux region is famous for its temperate maritime climate, moderated by the nearby Atlantic Ocean and cut through by major rivers which help to mitigate ripeness and risk. The soils around Bordeaux Supérieur can range from rich alluvial clay to gravels and sands, each imparting their own subtleties to the wine. The area itself has a long heritage, benefitting from centuries of blending expertise and a focus on accessible, food-friendly wines.

When it comes to food pairings, the supple, ripe and moderately structured character of Bordeaux Supérieur makes it highly versatile. It is excellent with classic roast lamb or beef, duck breast or confit, and even earthy mushroom dishes. Regional staples like entrecôte à la bordelaise (rib-eye steak with a rich wine and shallot sauce) marry beautifully, as do rustic charcuterie or hard cheeses such as comté or tomme. Vegetarian pairings could include aubergine gratin or lentil stew.

To fully appreciate its generous fruit and fine tannins, serve this wine at a temperature of 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour will help the youthful expression of the 2022 vintage to open up, enhancing both aroma and palate.