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25 July 2005

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...

CotesdecastillonI 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
AiguilheChateau 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.

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» Côtes de Castillon - Another Bordeaux from Cork Tease
Here is some juicy information on a not so widely known appelation from Bordeaux. Usually a marriage of Merlot and Cabernet Franc this wine is produced in a slightly warmer environment ...is it worth a sip? Via basicJuice: ... [Read More]

Comments

Helenhayes

Great job! This one is an instant classic! That would be really cool for this post

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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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