Château Chantalouette 2020

Château Chantalouette is a red from Pomerol, the small right bank appellation an hour from the city of Bordeaux where the Romans once made wine. The vineyards sit on a mix of clay, gravel and the iron rich subsoil known locally as crasse de fer, soils that suit Merlot and give Pomerol its plush, velvety character. The blend leads on Merlot, with Cabernet Franc for aromatic lift and a little Cabernet Sauvignon for backbone. After fermentation the wine ages for 12 months in 225 litre French oak barrels, the wood softening the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adding cedar, tobacco and a hint of cocoa. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe plum, cherry and red berries over a savoury base of earth and tobacco. The palate is smooth and rounded, with soft, fine tannins, gentle structure and a long, earthy finish that reflects the clay soils. It is approachable now and will hold for several years. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees and decant half an hour ahead. It suits roast meats and earthy dishes.