Cour de Mandelotte Bordeaux Rouge AOC 2022

Winery Background and History

Cour de Mandelotte is produced by Maison Ginestet, a historic wine merchant house established in 1897 in Bordeaux, France. Maison Ginestet has a longstanding reputation for crafting wines that reflect the rich heritage and diverse terroirs of the Bordeaux region. The name “Mandelotte” historically refers to stone houses found amidst Bordeaux vineyards, which served as shelters and workspaces for vineyard laborers. This connection underscores the brand’s dedication to preserving Bordeaux’s winemaking traditions while embracing modern techniques to ensure quality and consistency.

Producer and Winemaker

Maison Ginestet oversees the production of Cour de Mandelotte, with a team of experienced winemakers committed to expressing the unique characteristics of Bordeaux’s terroir. Their approach combines traditional winemaking practices with contemporary innovations, focusing on meticulous grape selection and careful vinification processes to produce wines that are both authentic and approachable.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The grapes for Cour de Mandelotte are sourced from vineyards within the Bordeaux appellation, characterized by a temperate maritime climate influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean. This climate provides mild winters and warm summers, with sufficient rainfall promoting healthy vine growth. The region’s diverse soils, including gravel, clay, and limestone, contribute to the complexity and minerality of the wines. The combination of climate and soil allows for the cultivation of high-quality Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes, which are integral to the wine’s profile.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Cour de Mandelotte Bordeaux Rouge is crafted using a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes. The vinification process involves careful sorting and destemming of the grapes, followed by fermentation at controlled temperatures to preserve the fresh fruit aromas and flavors. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation to enhance its texture and complexity. It is then aged for approximately six months in stainless steel tanks to maintain its vibrant character before bottling.

Tasting Notes

The 2022 Cour de Mandelotte Bordeaux Rouge exhibits a dark red hue. The nose reveals pronounced aromas of ripe black fruits, such as blackberries and black currants, with subtle hints of gooseberry. On the palate, the wine is smooth and full-bodied, showcasing flavors of blackberries and currants, leading to a balanced and lingering finish.

Food & Wine Pairing

This dry red wine pairs excellently with cold cuts, pâtés, meat snacks, duck, lamb, fried and roasted red meats, and hard yellow cheeses. Its balanced structure and fruit-forward profile complement a variety of dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its aromatic profile and freshness, serve Cour de Mandelotte Bordeaux Rouge at a temperature between 16-18°C (60-64°F). Using a standard red wine glass will allow the aromas to concentrate, enhancing the tasting experience. Decanting is not necessary; however, opening the bottle 30 minutes before serving can help the wine breathe and reveal its full character.

Storage and Aging Potential

Cour de Mandelotte Bordeaux Rouge is best consumed young to capture its fresh and fruity attributes. While it can be enjoyed up to 3-5 years after the vintage date, aging is not recommended as the wine’s primary appeal lies in its youthful vibrancy. Store bottles in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature to maintain quality.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

The blend consists of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

The alcohol content of Cour de Mandelotte Bordeaux Rouge 2022 is 12.5%.