From: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
Taste: With its high proportion of Merlot, Fleur de Pédesclaux is soft and smooth, offering a silky texture. It features vibrant fruit aromas, with hints of white flowers, violets, and red berries that shine each year. The wine has a lively elegance, delivering fresh, fruity flavors and smooth tannins that lead to a long, satisfying finish. This floral and approachable style showcases the complexity of the terroir in a way that's both festive and delightful.
Pairing: Try it with Vietnamese shaking beef (bò lúc lắc), where the wine’s fresh acidity cuts through the savory richness of the meat and enhances the dish's caramelized flavors. Pair it with a wild mushroom and truffle flatbread to bring out its earthy complexity. A Persian-style chicken with pomegranate and walnut sauce (fesenjan) highlights the wine's fruity and floral notes, while its smooth tannins balance the dish's richness. Try it with miso-glazed salmon for a surprising match, as the wine’s red berry flavors contrast beautifully with the umami-rich glaze. Finally, consider a roasted beet and goat cheese tart, where the earthy beets and creamy cheese harmonize with the wine’s freshness and floral undertones.
Shaking Beef (Bo Luc Lac)
Recipe from Michael Huynh
Adapted by Glenn Collins, NYT Cooking
About: La Fleur de Pédesclaux is the second wine of Château Pédesclaux, a distinguished estate in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. Established in 1810 by wine broker Pierre Urbain Pédesclaux, the château was recognized as a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification. Over the years, the estate underwent several ownership changes, with significant revitalization occurring after its acquisition by Jacky Lorenzetti in 2009. Under Lorenzetti's leadership, the estate expanded its vineyards and modernized its facilities, enhancing the quality and reputation of its wines.
La Fleur de Pédesclaux was introduced as the estate's second wine, crafted to offer a more approachable expression of the château's terroir. This wine is characterized by a higher proportion of Merlot in its blend, resulting in a softer, more accessible profile than the grand vin. The emphasis on Merlot imparts a silky texture and fresh, appealing aromas, making it suitable for earlier consumption while still reflecting the complexity of the Pauillac terroir.
