Château Belgrave 2012

Tasting Notes and Serving Suggestions for Château Belgrave 2012

Tasting

Appearance

With a deep, concentrated ruby-red color, the wine displays purplish highlights that attest to its youth.

Nose

The bouquet reveals fine aromatic complexity dominated by notes of black fruit, notably blackberry and blackcurrant. Nuances of precious wood accompany these fruity aromas, while touches of mint and subtle hints of mocha add an extra dimension to the whole.

Palate

The silky attack reveals a velvety texture that gradually evolves into a more assertive structure. Delicate, silky tannins support a generous core of fruit, while a well-defined freshness runs through the tasting. The elegant finish lingers pleasantly, reflecting a fine balance between all the wine’s components.

Food and Wine Pairing

This Haut-Médoc pairs perfectly with roasted red meats, beef tenderloin, veal medallions, as well as game dishes such as venison. It also goes very well with mushroom preparations, pasta dishes with sauce, aged cheeses, or meaty fish such as tuna. Lovers of Asian cuisine will also appreciate its pairings with certain dishes from this gastronomy.

Serving and Cellaring

Château Belgrave 2012 benefits from being decanted 1 to 2 hours before serving to fully reveal its aromas. It is best enjoyed at a temperature of around 15.5°C. This vintage can be enjoyed until around 2027, or beyond for those who prefer more developed wines.

An elegant, well-balanced Haut-Médoc

The estate

Founded in 1845 by Bruno Devez, Château Belgrave is a 5th Growth (1855 Classification) located in the heart of the Médoc, in Bordeaux, on 60 hectares of deep gravel soils, at the gateway to Saint-Julien. At the beginning of the 20th century, Marcel Alibert definitively established the name “Belgrave” and distinguished himself in defending the classified growths. Since 1979, the estate has belonged to Maison Dourthe. The ferret on the label recalls the former hunting lodge that the estate originally was.

The vineyard

The Château Belgrave vineyard enjoys a privileged geographical location in the Haut-Médoc appellation, in the immediate vicinity of Saint-Julien, from which it is separated only by a stream. The vines grow on particularly remarkable deep gravel soils, interspersed with clay, sand, and limestone. This geological composition promotes optimal drainage and gives the wine its characteristic structure and aromatic complexity.

Vinification and aging

Vinification of Château Belgrave 2012 was carried out with a pre-fermentation cold soak on certain selected parcels. Alcoholic fermentations took place with daily pump-overs or punch-downs adapted to each lot. The wine was then aged on fine lees for 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels.

Grape varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon (65%)
Merlot (35%)