With the distinct possibility of a proper Christmas on the cards this year, we mull over what Medocs to add to your shopping list.
Medoc is home to many of the most illustrious châteaux in Bordeaux and is well-known for its top notch reds, Médoc also offers a great choice of excellent wines that won’t break the bank at a time of year when spending can easily spiral out of control.
Using modern methods a new generation of winemakers in Médoc are creating a wave of
wines that are fruit-forward, easy-drinking and ready to enjoy now.
Here are five modern Médoc wine pairings for you to take to the table this year.
For someone special Château La Cardonne 2012, Médoc Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
This Classic Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend is drinking really well now. This Cru Bourgeois is
very accessible and great value for a wine of this age. Attractive and vibrant with complex, mouth-watering black and red fruit, hints of well-integrated oak with notes of liquorice and roast coffee. Perfectly paired
with a hard cheese, such as Comté.
£16.50 from Bauduc Ltd
For a fancy dinner party. Château Peyrabon 2016, Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
A glamorous wine Château Peyrabon is the ideal wine, for fun festive dinner parties with friends and
family. Matching very well with a number of winter dishes. Classic aromas of blackcurrant and cedar with
smoky undertones, the palate is well-structured with intense notes of blackberry and plum, held together by taut tannins. Serve with rich, seasonal dishes such as slow-cooked beef casserole.
£18.99 from Cambridge Wine Merchants
A Christmas Cracker. Château Meyney ‘La Chapelle de Meyney’ 2015, Saint-Estèphe Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
The wines of Saint-Estèphe are renowned for their elegance and charm. Château Meyney is grown largely on blue clay which is unusual for the Médoc but can add depth to the wines.
Our second wine from Château Meyney, this is made from younger vines but with no less care than the Grand Vin of the estate.
Full-bodied, with ripe, dense fruit, it has a good bit of age delivering flavours of cigar box and dried black fruit. This will be a guaranteed hit for the main event. You can enjoy with traditional turkey roast or mix things up with Beef or Mushroom Wellington.
£24.99 from Majestic
Make it Margaux Tesco Finest Margaux 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
One of Médoc’s most iconic communes, Margaux had to feature on the list. This wine is made for Tesco by the
prestigious Château Boyd Cantenac using exceptional grapes.
A bold but well-balanced red that is rich, ripe and vibrant with complex flavours of black fruit, cherries, spices and oak.
Steak is the obvious match for this wine but it’s Christmas so why not make things more fun and pair it with a meat fondue!
£22 from Tesco
A Medoc when it’s last minute Château Sénéjac 2017, Haut-Médoc Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
If you’re the type of person who nips to the supermarket on Christmas Eve in the hope of finding a good quality crowd-pleaser then this one’s for you.
Like liquid velvet, it’s sensuous and seductively textured which a rich palate of ripe blackcurrant fruits and a delicious touch of mint on the long finish. Serve with a Grazing Platter. It’s easy to get everything you need from the supermarket: charcuterie, crackers, dips, cheeses, fruit and chocolate, it will look great on your table.
£17 from Co-op