From: Bordeaux, France
Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Taste: This Pomerol greets the senses with an intense and spicy nose, boasting a complex bouquet of ripe currant, blackberry, and plum, all intermingled with delicate notes of mint and subtle hints of oak. In the glass, the wine reveals a deep ruby color with a slightly garnet hue, indicating its maturity.
Upon the first sip, this Pomerol offers a velvety and full-bodied mouthfeel, showcasing a high concentration of lush black fruit flavors, seamlessly integrated with well-rounded tannins and balanced acidity. As the wine evolves, it unveils layers of dark chocolate, licorice, and earthy undertones, leading to a lingering, elegant finish with a touch of spice from its time spent aging in French oak barrels.
Pairing: The 2013 Château Rouget Pomerol is a versatile wine that complements a wide range of dishes. Its richness and depth of flavor make it a perfect match for hearty meat dishes such as beef, veal, pork, and lamb, as well as roast chicken, braised or grilled dishes (check out the roast beef recipe below!), and game.
For a regional pairing, consider serving this Pomerol alongside classic Bordeaux dishes like Entrecôte à la Bordelaise (rib steak with a red wine and shallot sauce) or Duck Confit with a side of sautéed potatoes and mushrooms.
Vegetarian options that would pair well with this wine include a wild mushroom risotto, highlighting the earthy notes of the wine; a rich, eggplant Parmesan, accentuating the wine's acidity and tannins; or a hearty lentil stew with root vegetables, which complements the wine's depth and complexity.
Boeuf à la Mode
By Tamar Adler
About. Château Rouget, a historic estate with roots dating back to ancient Rome, has been producing exceptional wines for centuries. By the 18th century, it was considered one of the top five wines in the Pomerol appellation. In 1992, the Labruyere family, already well-established in the wine industry, purchased the estate and embarked on a mission to restore Château Rouget to its former glory.
Under the Labruyere family's ownership, Château Rouget underwent a series of renovations, including replanting vineyards, removing Cabernet Sauvignon plots, and building new wine-making facilities and cellars. The family also enlisted the expertise of renowned consultant Michel Rolland and expanded the estate's vineyard land. Today, the 17-hectare vineyard is planted with 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, ideally suited to the gravel, sand, and clay terroir with iron-rich soils.
The 2013 Château Rouget Grand Vin Pomerol is a testament to the Labruyere family's dedication to excellence. The wine is produced using a combination of traditional and modern vinification techniques, including partial whole-berry fermentation and 45% whole-cluster fermentation with stems attached. These methods help to maintain freshness and reduce oxidation in the final product.
After malolactic fermentation in barrels, the wine is aged in 50% new French oak barrels for 15 to 18 months before bottling. This process results in a wine with rich, concentrated black fruit flavors, an intense and spicy nose, and notes of currant, blackberry, plum, mint, and vanilla.
Best served at a cool 15.5 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit), the 2013 Château Rouget Grand Vin Pomerol pairs beautifully with a variety of meat dishes, including beef, lamb, duck, and roast chicken. It is also a delightful accompaniment to Asian cuisine, hearty fish courses like tuna and salmon, mushrooms, and pasta dishes.
The resurgence of Château Rouget is a testament to the dedication and passion of the Labruyere family. Their pursuit of excellence and tireless efforts to improve the estate have resulted in a truly exceptional Pomerol wine that stands as a shining example of Bordeaux's Right Bank Merlot-based offerings. Don't miss the chance to experience the remarkable 2013 Château Rouget Grand Vin Pomerol and savor a piece of history in every glass.
