Chateau Roc de Bigorre, Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 2020

Winery Background and History

Château Roc de Bigorre is situated in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, an area adjacent to the renowned Saint-Émilion region. Historically, this region has been recognized for producing wines that offer excellent value, benefiting from similar terroir characteristics as its more famous neighbor. While specific historical details about Château Roc de Bigorre are limited, the estate contributes to the area’s reputation for crafting quality Bordeaux wines that reflect the rich viticultural heritage of Castillon.

Producer and Winemaker

The 2020 vintage of Château Roc de Bigorre is produced by Vignobles Galineau et Fils, a family-owned enterprise with a commitment to traditional Bordeaux winemaking practices. The Galineau family focuses on expressing the unique terroir of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux through meticulous vineyard management and careful vinification techniques, ensuring that each bottle embodies the character and quality of the region.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The vineyards of Château Roc de Bigorre are located within the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, characterized by rolling hills and diverse soil compositions, including clay-limestone and sandy-gravel soils. The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate, with the nearby Dordogne River influencing temperature regulation and providing favorable conditions for grape ripening. These factors contribute to the development of wines with balanced acidity, ripe fruit flavors, and notable structure.

Vinification & Aging Methods

While specific vinification details for Château Roc de Bigorre 2020 are not readily available, traditional practices in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux region typically involve fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness and purity of fruit flavors. Aging often occurs in a combination of stainless steel and oak barrels, allowing for integration of tannins and the development of complexity without overpowering the wine’s inherent characteristics.

Tasting Notes

According to James Suckling, the 2020 Château Roc de Bigorre is described as “spiced and chocolaty with dark fruit and notes of cedar.”  This suggests a wine with rich, ripe fruit flavors complemented by subtle oak influences, offering a well-rounded and enjoyable tasting experience.

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled or roasted meats such as lamb, beef, or pork. Its balanced structure and fruit-forward profile also complement hearty stews and casseroles. For a vegetarian option, consider pairing with dishes featuring roasted mushrooms or eggplant, which can mirror the wine’s depth and complexity.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate the nuances of Château Roc de Bigorre 2020, it is recommended to serve the wine at a temperature between 16-18°C (61-64°F). Decanting the wine for about 30 minutes prior to serving can help in aerating and unlocking its full aromatic potential. Using a Bordeaux-style glass will further enhance the tasting experience by directing the wine to the appropriate areas of the palate.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2020 vintage of Château Roc de Bigorre has the potential to age gracefully over the next 5-7 years. Proper storage is essential to preserve its quality; bottles should be kept horizontally in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity levels. Over time, the wine may develop additional complexity, with evolving flavors and aromas that will reward patient cellaring.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

While the exact blend for Château Roc de Bigorre 2020 is not specified, wines from the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation typically feature a dominance of Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. This combination allows for a harmonious balance of Merlot’s plush fruitiness, Cabernet Franc’s aromatic finesse, and Cabernet Sauvignon’s structural backbone, resulting in a wine of depth and elegance.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

The alcohol content for Château Roc de Bigorre 2020 is not explicitly stated in the available sources. However, red wines from the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux region typically have an ABV ranging between 13.5% and 14.5%, contributing to their balanced and approachable character.