Production
Château Baron Bellevue’s 21 hectares are planted with the classic Bordeaux varieties – Merlot (80%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Cabernet Franc (5%) on chalky clay gravel. A third of the vines are over 30 years old, with the oldest planted in 1956. Vines are cultivated with a respect for the environment, without the use of insecticides. Bunches are thoroughly sorted, de-stemmed and gently pressed before a 20 day fermentation during which the juice is tasted daily to achieve the optimal extraction of flavour and colour. The wine is then aged for 18 months in the Château’s cellars, where the barrels are racked every three months until they are ready for bottling, which is also carried out at the château.
Tasting notes
Mainly Merlot, this is typically ripe and spicy with wild bramble flavours, tasty tannins and a lovely gutsy character. Smooth and approachable, this is drinking very well now and should suit most palates.
Food match
Claret and roast lamb go perfectly; chops cooked pink on the BBQ with rosemary or roasted with a herby sauce. Also good with farmhouse Cheddar.
