Château Coulonge 'Élevé en Futs de Chêne' Bordeaux Rouge 2016

Region: Bordeaux, France
Grape(s): 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
Drinks Best: Now - 4 Years

Since 1804 the estate at Château Coulonge has been passed down from generation to generation. Now in the hands of winemaker Nicolas Roux, the family vineyards have been converted to organic farming and restored to their natural state. This no-fuss Bordeaux is a blend of the region’s two workhorse grapes - Cabernet Sauvignon famously from the left bank of the Garonne and Merlot from the right. Roux ages the wine for a year in oak barrels - en fûts de chêne - softening the wine and providing a sweet potpourri and baking spice aroma. Musky black fruit and plum fill out a broad palate that is a great introduction to the style of wine that put Bordeaux on the map.

Pairings: Brisket sandwiches with Western NC BBQ sauce and frizzled shallots