Château Réaut Côtes de Bordeaux 2018

Château Réaut Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux is a robust and well-structured red wine from the Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, located on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, France. This wine is predominantly a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, showcasing the traditional Bordeaux blend's balance of fruit, structure, and elegance. On the nose, it reveals rich aromas of blackberries, ripe cherries, and cassis, along with subtle notes of tobacco, cedar, and dark chocolate. On the palate, it is full-bodied and smooth, with well-integrated tannins and flavors of dark fruits, spices, and a touch of oak. The finish is long and satisfying, with a pleasant balance of fruit and savory notes.

Wine Details: Type: Red Wine Style: Full-bodied, Structured Red 

Grape Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Taste Like: Like a classic Right Bank Bordeaux, but with a more fruit-forward profile, delivering a rich and balanced expression of ripe berries, smooth tannins, and subtle oak.

Alcohol Percentage: 14%

Closure: Cork

Size: 750mL

Appellation: Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux AOC

Region: Bordeaux Region

Location: Right Bank, Southwestern France

Country: France

Terroir: The vineyards are planted on clay-limestone and gravelly soils, typical of the Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux region, which give the wine its rich structure and minerality. The temperate maritime climate, influenced by the nearby Garonne River, ensures the grapes ripen slowly, balancing fruit concentration with natural acidity. Aging: Aged for 12-16 months in French oak barrels, which adds complexity, spice, and smoothness to the wine, while maintaining its fruit-forward character. Farming: Sustainable farming practices are employed to respect the environment and produce healthy, high-quality grapes. Serving Temperature: 16-18°C – Serve slightly below room temperature to highlight the wine’s fruit, structure, and smooth tannins. 

Explore Cadillac: The Cadillac region is an up-and-coming appellation in Côtes de Bordeaux, known for producing excellent value wines. The region is best visited in the fall during the Bordeaux Fête le Vin (Bordeaux Wine Festival), where visitors can explore local vineyards, taste wines, and enjoy regional delicacies.

Local Saying: “Le vin est la réponse à tout.” – Wine is the answer to everything.

Local Dish: Try pairing this wine with Magret de Canard (duck breast), a classic dish from the Southwest of France that complements the richness of Bordeaux reds. Local Recipe: Magret de Canard (Serves 4) Ingredients: 2 duck breasts Salt and pepper 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar Instructions: Score the duck breast skin and season with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot pan, skin-side down, until crispy. Flip and cook to your liking. Drizzle with honey and balsamic vinegar for a rich glaze.

Dishes this wine pairs with: Grilled Lamb: Ideal with grilled lamb chops or lamb rack, complementing the wine’s dark fruit and spice. Roast Beef: Pairs beautifully with roast beef or prime rib, enhancing the wine’s structure and savory notes. Steak Frites: A classic French pairing, perfect with a juicy steak and crispy fries. Duck Confit: Matches wonderfully with duck confit, balancing the richness of the dish with the wine’s acidity and tannins. Hard Cheeses: Great with hard cheeses like aged cheddar or Manchego.

Cheeses this wine pairs with: Comté (France): The nutty, savory flavors of Comté balance the wine’s fruit and tannins. Aged Cheddar (Australia): The sharp, crumbly texture of aged cheddar complements the wine’s rich fruit and smooth tannins. Brie de Meaux (France): The creamy texture of Brie provides a contrast to the wine’s structure and fruit-forward profile. Manchego (Spain): A firm, nutty cheese that pairs well with the wine’s bold flavors and subtle oak. Gouda (Netherlands): The sweet, caramelized flavors of aged Gouda enhance the wine’s dark fruit and spice.