Wines Fronsac Château La Huste - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Château La Huste 2019 from the Fronsac appellation represents one of Bordeaux’s less travelled but increasingly recognised fine wine terroirs. Composed predominantly of Merlot, supplemented by smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and occasionally Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine embodies the typical style of the right bank. The 2019 vintage benefited from favourable weather, marked by a warm summer and well-timed rainfall, resulting in wines of concentration, ripe fruit, and fine tannic structure. The estate’s vineyards are planted on a mix of clay and limestone hillsides, a classic Fronsac profile, providing both freshness and depth to the wine. The vinification at Château La Huste is carefully controlled, favouring a traditional approach to extraction and ageing, often utilising a blend of stainless steel and oak barrels to refine the texture and encourage complexity.

Fronsac, nestled just west of Saint-Émilion, has a long history of winemaking dating back to Roman times. The region is shaped by its undulating hills and proximity to the Dordogne River, which moderates the microclimate and protects vines from extremes. The combination of iron-rich clay and limestone soils confers wines with both power and elegance. Over the years, the area has shed its reputation as a rustic outpost, emerging as a source of rich, characterful Bordeaux at accessible prices.

Château La Huste 2019 is a versatile partner at table. Its deep plum, cassis, and tobacco notes, complemented by a supple structure, make it ideal with classic Gascon fare such as duck confit or entrecôte Bordelaise. It will equally enhance dishes of roast lamb with thyme, mushroom risotto or even a hearty lentil stew. Regional French cheeses like Saint-Nectaire or Cantal will complement its savoury complexity.

For your enjoyment, decant the wine for thirty minutes to allow the aromatics and texture to unfold. Serve it at 16-18°C to best appreciate its fruit expression, freshness, and the signature minerality of Fronsac. The 2019 can be enjoyed now, or cellared for five to eight years for further development.