Château Blaignan Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2018

Alcohol: 14,5%

Grape(s): 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot

Localization: Medoc, Bordeaux, France

Tasting Notes: Ruby dark color. Fresh, soft, and sweet ripe nose of black currant followed by spicy notes of white pepper, fresh tobacco, and cedar. This medium-bodied wine shows elegant tannins.

Food pairing: It is very approachable and matches perfectly with steaks, pork loin, poultry, pasta, hamburgers, and barbecue.

The Domain: Château Blaignan is one of the oldest winemaking estates in the Médoc region of Bordeaux. Documents dating back to the 15th century reveal that vineyards were planted in the hamlet of Blaignan for nearly 600 years. It is recognizable by its distinct tower which is in the heart of the vineyard. It is currently owned by the CA Grands Crus. They also owns Château Grand Puy Ducasse, Pauillac 5ème Grand Cru Classé, Château Meyney, St.-Estèphe, and Château de Santenay in Burgundy. The group is deeply committed to the renaissance of the Château Blaignan. They invested over 3 million euros in the vineyards and brand new 100% temperature-controlled cellars with small stainless steel vats for vinification by parcels. 

The vineyard is 87 hectares in size (215 acres) is composed of limestone soils from a single vineyard. The average age of the vines is 25 years old. The vineyard goes through green harvest, leaf thinning, and grass growing between rows to lower the yields. It is also certified ecologically sensitive with no usage of pesticides or herbicides. The grapes are picked up by plots and are vinified in 45 different size vats during the harvest. After the fermentation, the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for 12 months.

Château Blaignan is wine by Anne Le Naour (Managing Director and Head of Winemaking) and Hubert de Boüard (Consultant Winemaker and owner of Château Angelus, 1er Grand Cru Classé “A” Saint-Emilion). With this star winemaking team, they’re able to craft an outstanding wine that over-delivers in quality every year. In a way, it benefits from “Grand Cru Classé” input while remaining affordable and accessible for the consumer.