From: Lansac, Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux, France
Varietal: Merlot, Malbec
Taste: This wine offers intense aromas of dark berries—blackberry, black cherry, and black currant with a hint of cassis—layered with earthy undertones and a subtle minerality. It has a punchy and concentrated character on the palate, with flavors of ripe black fruit accented by notes of caramel and clove, with a hint of spiced mocha and vanilla from its 14-month maturation in French oak barrels. The influence of new oak is evident, lending the wine additional depth and a touch of warmth. Refined tannins and balanced acidity provide a fresh, structured mouthfeel, while the finish is long and layered, leaving lingering impressions of dark fruit, minerals, and soft, oaky spice.
Pairing: For an Asian-inspired pairing, try Korean braised short ribs (Galbi Jjim). The savory, slightly sweet flavors of the ribs, slow-cooked with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, harmonize beautifully with the wine’s dark berry notes and subtle oak spice. The umami depth of the dish enhances the wine’s earthy undertones, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the meat. Beef Rendang, an Indonesian dish with aromatic spices and rich coconut milk, also pairs beautifully, with its bold flavors accentuating the wine’s structure and spice.
Rendang Daging (Beef Rendang)
Recipe from Lara Lee
Adapted by Kayla Stewart, NYT Cooking
About: Since acquiring the property in 1994, Lucie and Stéphane Donze have revitalized Château Martinat with a dedication to sustainable practices. Coming from distinct professional backgrounds, they embraced a farming method called lutte raisonnée. This approach emphasizes environmental balance through minimal intervention, allowing nature to play a significant role in the vineyard. Manual practices—such as pruning, leafing, and hand-picking—are meticulously performed to ensure that only the best grapes reach production.
Château Martinat, located in the scenic hills of Lansac within the Côtes de Bourg appellation, spans ten hectares and benefits from a microclimate influenced by the nearby Gironde River. This proximity brings a mild climate with ample sunshine, ideal for vine maturation. The vineyard’s soil is a unique blend of small gravel and red and brown clay layers, which add to the complexity and density of the wines produced here. With vines averaging 40 years old, the estate’s varietal focus is predominantly on Merlot (70%), supplemented by Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and a historical planting of Malbec (10%).
