Tasting notes
A brilliant, deeply hued colour with a powerful bouquet of cherry, tobacco, and cedary notes. The palate is rich and medium-bodied, showing great freshness and a fine, velvety tannic structure that promises longevity. Ideal with an Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb.
Why we recommend this wine
We have always enjoyed Cantemerle and have visited the Chateau several times for tastings. In our, and many critics, view it is among the most consistent and best value Cru Classé wines in all of Bordeaux.
The wine
About two thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, a quarter Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The grapes are destemmed and hand-sorted before crushing. Fermentation and maceration take five to six weeks in a mix of conical wooden vats, stainless steel tanks and cement vats. After that the wine is aged for 12 months or so in french oak barrels (medium toast) of which 40+% are new. An ultra light fining is done prior to bottling
The wine estate
Château Cantemerle boasts a rich and storied history dating back to the 12th century; shifting political alliances, religious conflict, arranged marriages, and, of course, familial intrigue. After periods of prosperity and decline, including significant damage from phylloxera, the estate was bought in 1981 by a French mutual insurance group who embarked on a major restoration and replanting project resulting in Cantemerle, and the wine, being restored to its former glory. Cantemerle has large park-like grounds among whose inhabitants are blackbirds, “merle” in French, which gave the estate its name in the middle ages; “Canta Merla” or blackbird’s song.
cantemerle.com
Food and wine
The structural acidity and fine, dense tannins make it an exceptional pairing for rich, savory dishes such as a slow-cooked boeuf bourguignon or grilled Duck Breast The wine also beautifully complements aged, firm cheeses like Comte or Cornish Cheddar. Refer also to our food and wine pairing guide, click here.
Did you know?
Château Cantemerle holds a unique place in history as the very last estate to be added to the official 1855 Classification? It was initially omitted from the list published in April but was officially added as a Cinquième Cru Classé later that year after the owner, Madame Villeneuve-Durfort, successfully proved the wine's consistent market price and reputation.