Château Belgrave 2016

Tasting Notes and Advice for Château Belgrave 2016

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a deep ruby-red hue, almost black at its core, reflecting the concentration and optimal ripeness of the grapes.

Nose

The nose opens with an intense, complex bouquet, unveiling aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry. These black-fruit notes are joined by nuances of cedar and licorice, enhanced by subtle touches of spice and toasted oak.

Palate

On the palate, the attack is powerful and generous, carried by a full structure and refined, velvety tannins. The palate reveals a fine concentration of ripe fruit, supported by balanced acidity that brings freshness and elegance. The finish lingers with persistence, leaving a harmonious, complex impression.

Food and wine pairings

This wine is an ideal match for grilled or roasted red meats, notably beef tenderloin. It also pairs perfectly with game dishes such as rabbit with prunes, hare, or roast poultry with apples. For cheese, opt for aged cheeses such as Brie de Meaux, Comté, or Mimolette.

Serving and cellaring

Château Belgrave 2016 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for about an hour helps fully reveal its aromatic complexity. This wine can be enjoyed through around 2030 and has cellaring potential beyond.

A Grand Cru Classé from Haut-Médoc with refined tannins and an elegant structure

The estate

Founded in 1845 by Bruno Devez, Château Belgrave is a 5th Grand Cru Classé (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 crus classés. Since 1979, the estate has belonged to Maison Dourthe. The ferret on the label recalls the former hunting lodge the estate originally was.

The vineyard

Château Belgrave’s vineyard enjoys a prime location on the border between the Haut-Médoc and the Saint-Julien appellation. The vines thrive on deep gravel soils over a clay subsoil, a geological composition that promotes optimal drainage and ideal grape ripening. This mosaic of terroirs makes it possible to express all the typicity of Haut-Médoc.

The vintage

The 2016 vintage proved exceptional in Bordeaux. After a wet spring, the particularly hot, dry summer enabled optimal ripening of the grapes. These favorable weather conditions gave rise to wines combining balance, freshness, and density, with fine aromatic concentration and a remarkable tannic structure.

Vinification and aging

Château Belgrave 2016 was carefully vinified in temperature-controlled vats, allowing precise temperature management during fermentation, which lasted 14 to 28 days. The wine was then aged in French oak barrels for 15 to 18 months, including 50% new barrels, lending complexity and refinement to the finished wine.

Grape varieties

Cabernet sauvignon (69%)
Merlot (28%)
Petit verdot (3%)