Wines Fronsac Château La Dauphine - 2020

Château La Dauphine 2020 is a biodynamically certified red wine from the renowned Fronsac appellation, situated in the Le Libournais subregion of Bordeaux, France. Produced mainly from Merlot, sometimes complemented by Cabernet Franc, this vintage benefits from meticulous biodiversity-focused viticulture and modern winemaking practices. The 2020 vintage offers particularly appealing richness due to the warm, sunny growing season, resulting in a wine that displays a deep purple hue, expressive aromas of ripe black fruit, violets, and subtle spices. On the palate, expect a generous but well-balanced mouthfeel, silky tannins, and lingering notes of plum, cassis, and a mineral freshness that typifies Fronsac’s terroir.

Fronsac, located on the right bank of Bordeaux, enjoys a long-standing reputation for bold yet elegant reds with a strong sense of place. The region’s undulating hills are rooted in clay-limestone soils, which contribute depth and freshness to the wines. The proximity to the Dordogne River helps to moderate the climate, while ample sunshine ensures consistent ripening of the Merlot grape. Winemaking in Fronsac traces its history back to Roman times and has evolved to emphasise clarity, balance, and respect for nature, as reflected in the increasing move toward organic and biodynamic methods in estates like Château La Dauphine.

Château La Dauphine 2020 pairs superbly with classic dishes such as roasted lamb, duck breast with cherry sauce, or a shared entrecôte Bordelaise. For a regional touch, consider magret de canard or a hearty mushroom and lentil cassoulet. The ripe fruit and supple tannins also make this wine a wonderful companion for mild cow’s milk cheeses or earthy truffle-based dishes.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Fronsac at 16-18°C, ideally after decanting for at least an hour, to allow its complex aromatics to unfold fully. This is a wine that can be appreciated in its youth for its vibrancy, or cellared for several years to reveal further nuance and depth.