Château Cantelaudette Grande Cuvée, Graves de Vayres

Key characteristics:

Château Cantelaudette Grande Cuvée, Graves de Vayres is a testament to the Chatelier family’s legacy, representing a deep commitment to crafting expressive Merlot from the heart of Bordeaux. This wine embodies the unique gravelly soils of Graves de Vayres, delivering a profile of supple fruit and a refined structure that has been meticulously cultivated since the estate’s establishment in 1870.

Tasting Notes:

• Variety: 100% Merlot
• Appearance: Deep, almost black color with a slight shade of evolution
• Aroma: A dominant note of spices and liquorice, enhanced by a hint of toasted notes, reveals a beautiful aromatic complexity, complemented by nuances of blackberry, vanilla butter, and toast.
• Taste: Impression of smoothness confirmed in the mouth with a fleshy and voluptuous tannic structure, characterized by flavors of morello cherry liqueur and ripe fruits, alongside notes of cherry, red berries, plums, and a long vanilla finish.
• Region: Graves de Vayres, France. Located between Bordeaux and Libourne, this appellation on a plateau overlooking the Dordogne River benefits from clay-gravel, silt-gravel, and sand-clay soils, along with a warming microclimate from the river and ocean proximity.
• Pairing: Rib of beef or rack of lamb with garlic, and chocolate mousse for an evening meal with family and friends. It also pairs beautifully with cold cuts, grilled and complex meats, game, and aged cheeses.

Overall impression:

This Grande Cuvée offers a rich and structured experience, showcasing Merlot’s inherent elegance with a voluptuous texture and profound aromatic depth. It is a wine designed to reflect refinement, balance, and a captivating complexity, making it both accessible and profoundly satisfying.

Extra notes:

• The Chatelier family, led by Jean-Michel Chatelier and his wife Laurence, revitalized the abandoned Château Cantelaudette in 1984, bringing it back to its former glory.
• Château Cantelaudette is committed to sustainable practices, holding High Environmental Value (HVE) certification, which attests to their dedication to biodiversity, phytosanitary strategy, and resource management.