Château Grand Village - Red 2013
Located in Mouillac in the Fronsadais region, Château Grand Village is the family estate of Sylvie and Jacques Guinaudeau, who also run Château Lafleur in Pomerol. Growing on clay and limestone hillsides, the vines are cultivated with precision, aiming for fine ripeness and measured extraction. The house style emphasizes vibrant fruit, balance, and a finely chiseled tannic structure.
This 2013 vintage comes mainly from Merlot from massal selections supplemented by Cabernet Franc planted in the most calcareous areas. A fresh and demanding vintage, it required strict sorting. Vinification by plot in stainless steel and concrete vats at controlled temperatures, gentle extractions to preserve purity. Aged for approximately twelve months in French oak barrels with a moderate proportion of new wood, then blended and rested in vats before bottling. Dry wine.
The nose opens with morello cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, enhanced by violet, a touch of graphite, and a discreet oaky note with hints of cedar. The palate is medium-bodied, precise, and fresh. The crisp attack slides toward a heart of red and black fruits, supported by a fine, taut tannin. Echoes of sweet spices and blond tobacco add complexity. The finish is clean and savory, slightly chalky, with a noble bitterness that prolongs the tasting.
At the table, serve this 2013 with roast poultry, filet mignon with mushrooms, veal chop, pink lamb, or medium-cooked tuna. Pair well with a mature Comté or Cantal cheese. Ideal temperature: 16 to 17°C in a large glass. Open thirty to forty-five minutes before serving or decant briefly. Ready to drink today, with a cellar-ready age of three to five more years.
Grape varieties: Merlot 85%, Cabernet Franc 15%
