Among the emblematic fine wines of the Right Bank, the Château Vieux Cantenac 2021 presents itself as a delicate composition, aimed at palates seeking harmony rather than show. A characterful Saint-Émilion AOC, it embraces the spirit of Merlot, the terroir's beating heart, paired with the noble backbone of Cabernet Franc. The 2021 vintage delivers a precise expression, driven by the brightness of the fruit and a polished framework. Here you find what we love in well-balanced Bordeaux: aromatic intensity without weight, juicy tannins that structure without constricting, and a freshness that signs a lively finish. Curious enthusiasts, learned gourmets, discreet collectors, you'll appreciate its immediate frankness as well as its ability to deepen. At the table, it slips easily into culinary conversations, revealing elegant modernity, vibrant classicism and that hint of poetry that turns tasting into a way of life.

Assemblage et vinification

The personality of the Château Vieux Cantenac 2021 is rooted in a blend dominated by Merlot, answered by the precision of Cabernet Franc. Harvested at maturity, the grapes are handled with constant care to respect the grain of the fruit and preserve the vintage’s energy. Gentle extractions favour tannin finesse and a clear structural thread. The ageing, conducted with restraint, supports the wine without masking it, allowing the purity of the black berries and the wine's natural spice to express themselves. This approach, between classicism and contemporary tact, offers a palate of controlled density, a well-rounded structure and a highly legible aromatic expression. The result is a precise, ample Saint-Émilion that serves both as a gastronomic wine and one that will age gracefully.

Notes de dégustation

• Colour: Deep ruby with garnet highlights, bright and clear. A visual texture that announces the palate’s measured density, with elegant colour intensity and vibrant youth.
• Nose: Expressive bouquet of black cherry and plum, lifted by blueberry and blackcurrant. Fine spices mingle with mocha, an airy floral note and a subtle earthy vibration. With aeration, accents of noble herbs emerge, a prelude to blond tobacco and cedar nuances that will reveal themselves over time.
• Palate: Soft attack, mid-palate with just the right relief, juicy, well-rounded tannins. The black fruit expresses itself with clarity, supported by a digestible freshness that extends the tasting. The finish, crunchy and persistent, sits within a savoury dynamic and promises a calm evolution.

Température de service et conseils

Serve between 16 et 18°C in tulip-shaped stemware to allow the bouquet to open correctly. A gentle, measured decanting reveals the fruit’s complexity and refines the tannic texture. Avoid too high temperatures that would weigh down the palate. This wine performs brilliantly today while having the reserve to develop tobacco and cedar notes over the years. Store it quietly, away from light, to preserve its balance and aromatic grace.

Accords mets et vin

• Aperitifs: mushroom puff pastries, Comté gougères, mildly peppered duck rillettes.
• Starters: chicken pâté en croûte, perfect egg with porcini, veal tartare with herbs.
• Main courses: lacquered duck breast, roasted rib of beef, agnolotti with braised beef cheeks, brown mushroom risotto.
• Cheeses: Tomme de Savoie, aged Comté, farm Saint-Nectaire, heart-aged Brie.
• Desserts: lightly sweet spiced poached pear, dark chocolate biscuit with tonka bean.

Moments de dégustation

Château Vieux Cantenac 2021 is the ideal companion:

• For a bistronomic dinner where elegant fruit meets seasonal cooking.
• During a friendly Bordeaux vertical to compare finesse and structure.
• As a refined gift for a Saint-Émilion lover who appreciates balanced wines.

Caractéristiques

• Nom : Château Vieux Cantenac 2021
• Appellation : Saint-Émilion AOC
• Type : Red wine
• Millésime : 2021
• Cépages : Merlot, Cabernet Franc
• Profil aromatique : black cherry, plum, blueberry, blackcurrant, fine spices, mocha, floral and earthy touch
• Structure : medium density, juicy tannins, balanced freshness, persistent finish
• Service : 16–18°C, decanting recommended
• Garde : good ageing potential
• Origine : Bordeaux, Right Bank