DeWayne's Picks
2022 CHATEAU DE COURTEILLAC BORDEAUX
FRANCE
Tasting Notes: Domaine de Courteillac is a fairly young estate. The estate was originally founded by Henri de Foussat de Bogeron. Domaine de Courteillac was purchased in 1998 by the well-known Bordeaux wine merchant, Dominique Meneret who is a partner in the negociant company, Bernard and Meneret.
In late, 2016, it was announced that the large, Chinese wine and spirits retailer, Daohe Wine and Spirits, purchased Domaine de Courteillac from Dominique Menert for an undisclosed sum of money. The entire technical team will remain in place with the property.
Domaine de Courteillac owns 27 hectares of vineyard planted to 63% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc. Over the past few years, the amount of Cabernet Franc in the vines has slowly been increasing. 2 hectares of vines are reserved for the cultivation of white Bordeaux wine grapes.
On average, the vines are maintained at about 15 years of age. The terroir of Domaine de Courteillac is clay and limestone soils. Domaine de Courteillac is situated southeast of St. Emilion, close to the Dordogne river. The vineyard enjoys one of the highest elevations in the Entre Deux Mers appellation.
The wines are aged in 33% new, French oak barrels for between 14 and 16 months. Close to 12,000 cases per year are produced of Domaine de Courteillac. Domaine de Courteillac is better with at least 1-2 years of aging in good vintages. Young vintages can be decanted for up to 1 hour, helping the wine soften to help develop the aromatic character. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Domaine de Courteillac offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 2-6 years of age after the vintage.
Domaine de Courteillac is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. Domaine de Courteillac is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Domaine de Courteillac is also good when matched with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, salmon, mushrooms, and pasta.
Price: $17.49