Atypical Bordeaux Appellation
After bawling like a baby for two hours watching March of the Penguins, I needed a drink; but just a little one. So I decided to open up a demi - a 375ml bottle of Bordeaux that had been rolling around my wine cabinet for several months. It was from an appellation that I was unfamiliar with: Côtes de Castillon (visit this website - one of the producers must have a very Web savvy son/daughter - because it's entertaining and fun).
Without knowing anything about the apellation or this particular Chateau (Chateau d'Aiguilhe) I popped the cork, poured half a glass, and let it breathe for about 20 minutes.
After the first whiff, I was thoroughly confused. This didn't smell like Bordeaux. It seemed meatier and gamier. My interest was indeed piqued...
I did a little research and discovered the following about Côtes de Castillon AOC:
- The average Chateau is planted to Merlot (70%), Cabernet Franc (20%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%)
- It lies about 45km to the east of Bordeaux (the city)
- The AOC has only been around since 1989. Before that it was designated Bordeaux Superieur Côtes de Castillon (and before this the wines were marked as "near Saint Emilion")
- The climate is slightly warmer and drier than most of Bordeaux
- Go to this Appellation in the summer time and watch a re-enactment of the 100 years war (including 500 actors and 50 horsemen!)
Now the skinny on Chateau d'Aiguilhe...
The Skinny
Chateau d'Aiguilhe Côtes de Castillon AOC, '01 (~$12 for 375ml)
- Apparently the wine is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc (it's a C. Sauvignon-free Bordeaux)
- Deep, murky indigo in color. The wine is nearly opaque with a brick red rim
- The initial scents are decidedly earthy and smoky. This is followed by scents of cedar, pepper, and. In some odd way, I was reminded of a Pinotage(?)
- Ch. d'Aiguilhe felt deceptively light in the mouth - especially considering it rings in at 14% alcohol. Flavors of cigar and fruit are backed by sturdy tannins. It is ever-so-slightly vegetal on the finish
***.5 (3.5 stars out of 5)
This is much earthier and funkier than most Bordeaux. Yet it's well balanced, which means it's a fine partner to food. This wine gave me a hankering for a hunk of salty cheese or some roasted meat.
Great job! This one is an instant classic! That would be really cool for this post
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Posted by: Helenhayes | 17 March 2010 at 12:56 AM
There is nothing better that a fantastic wine when having dinner with meat or noddles. Bordeaux is the first that comes into my mind.
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