Region: Medoc, Bordeaux, France
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Tasting Notes: Mellow fine tannins, medium body, and juicy cassis and svelte blackberry fruit. Hints of coffee, licorice and gentle spice accent notes of leather and gravel. This is immediately drinkable and fantastic for an evening indoors!
Pairing: Cold roast beef sandwiches, simple grilled meat like a steak frites or sausage with chips, haricot beans and lentil dishes are all great choices. Shepherd’s pie shared with a glass of this Bordeaux blend creates a cold weather comfort symphony. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie by Samantha Seneviratne is a super satisfying meat free dish that utilizes hearty lentils in place of the ground meat. DO IT!
About: The Médoc district of Bordeaux is an area of coastal lagoons, sand dunes and pine forests located on the 45th parallel. It is also a global wine powerhouse, and home to four of the world's most prestigious wine villages: Pauillac, Margaux, Saint-Estèphe and Saint-Julien.
Over the millennia, the Garonne and Dordogne rivers (which merge into the Gironde estuary) have carried large quantities of mineral-rich silt and gravel down from their respective sources in the Pyrenees and the Massif Central. These deposits have accumulated on the western side of the Gironde estuary (into which the two rivers converge), forming the peninsula.
The well-drained, light-reflective soils which resulted are ideal for growing slow-ripening red wine grapes. This also explains the popularity here of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Petit Verdot grape variety is also suited to the soils, but was largely abandoned as a less reliable ripener. Early signs of revival are visible as evidence of climate change increases.
The gravels are particularly prevalent along the area's south-eastern edge (the Haut-Médoc). Further north these give way to heavier, less free-draining soils. In these sites earlier-ripening Merlot and Cabernet Franc perform best.
The peninsula is divided into three sections. These are the Landes du Médoc, the Bas-Médoc and the most prestigious Haut-Médoc.
Of the three sections, the Haut-Médoc is unquestionably of most interest in the context of wine, and is home to the famous appellations of Saint-Estephe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien and Margaux. Since the 18th Century this has become arguably the most famous wine district in France. More fine wine is produced per acre in the Haut-Médoc than anywhere else in the world.
Proprietors of Château Haut-Bana, the Berard family have lived in the winemaking haven of Medoc since 1760. Their well-established roots have enabled them to choose the finest “terroir” on the fertile peninsula. The winery itself has 37 hectares situated in the heart of the Medoc, bordering the left bank of the Gironde River. The Commune, as well as the estate are steeped in the ancient tradition & culture of the vines. Philippe Berard heads the family & employs both time honored techniques with modern ones, developing the best methods possible to ensure the highest quality for each harvest & wine. They practice “lute raisonnée” (the reasoned struggle) & have a great respect for the environment. Philippe has tremendous passion for making wine & for sharing that passion & his love of the Gironde & Medoc region with others.
