Château Cantenac Brown

Terroir, Vineyard, and Location

Cantenac Brown is a 62.5-hectare vineyard located in Margaux, Bordeaux. It has 34 hectares of gravel, which includes 16 hectares of vines planted on the plateau of Cantenac, and 16 hectares of gravel terroir in Margaux, Soussans, and further inland. They also have approximately 6 hectares of clay and limestone where they plant Merlot and white wine grapes, and 1.2 hectares of Petit Verdot. The vineyard is farmed using a sustainable approach to their farming techniques.

Wine Characters and Styles

Cantenac Brown produces red Bordeaux wine, which is typically concentrated and tannic in its youth. The wine is usually better with at least 12-15 years of bottle age. Cantenac Brown also produces a small amount of white Bordeaux wine called AltO de Cantenac Brown, which is a 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 6.5% Sauvignon Gris, and 3.5% Semillon blend.

Wine-Making Techniques

To produce the red wine, the grapes are picked parcel by parcel, which is how they are vinified as well. The wine is fermented in 70 stainless steel tanks ranging in size from 50 hectoliters to 120 hectolitres. Malolactic fermentation takes place in a combination of French oak barrels and vats. The wine of Cantenac Brown is then aged in 60% new, French oak barrels for 12 to 15 months, depending on the vintage.

Best Vintages

The best vintages for Chateau Cantenac Brown are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, and 2000.

Best Storage and Serving Temperatures

Cantenac Brown is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Decanting Time

Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 2-3 hours, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Food Pairing

Chateau Cantenac Brown is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau Cantenac Brown is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

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