Château Chauvin

Château Chauvin 2019 - Grand Cru Classé Saint-Émilion | Elegance and Terroir

Château Chauvin, Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion, spans a 15-hectare vineyard situated on one of the most prestigious terroirs in Bordeaux. Acquired in 2014 by the Cazes family, in collaboration with Pierre and François Régimbeau, this estate underwent significant restructuring aimed at perfecting viticulture methods and refining the wine-making process.

Under the careful direction of Sylvie Cazes and winemaker Philippe Moureau, the Château Chauvin team strives to enhance each vintage while respecting the natural balance of grape varieties and the specific climatic conditions of Saint-Émilion.

Grape Varieties and Terroir

The vineyard is primarily composed of Merlot (75%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (20%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). This varied composition gives Château Chauvin wine its natural elegance, characterized by great finesse, supple tannins, and a rich aromatic bouquet.

The vines, averaging 30 years of age, benefit from a clay-sandy soil typical of the region. These soils allow the roots to draw deep nutrients, enhancing the complexity and quality of the wines produced.

Tasting Characteristics

Château Chauvin stands out for its supple and elegant wines, both refined and feminine. During tasting, you will discover:

• Color: Deep and intense purple hue.
• Nose: Developed aromas of ripe red fruits, like black cherry and cassis, with subtle notes of violet and sweet spices.
• Palate: A full and silky wine with fine tannins, revealing a balanced structure and delicate freshness. The finish is long, with hints of licorice and dark chocolate.

Winemaking and Aging

Winemaking at Château Chauvin respects ancestral tradition while incorporating modern techniques to bring out the best in each harvest. The aging process takes place in French oak barrels, with a carefully controlled proportion of new wood, ensuring a perfect harmony between fruit and oak.

Each vintage receives special attention, allowing the unique character of the Saint-Émilion terroir to fully express itself. The result is a wine that improves with time but can also be enjoyed in its youth for its fruity aromas and freshness.

Food and Wine Pairings

Château Chauvin pairs wonderfully with refined dishes. Here are some suggestions to enhance your tasting experience:

• Red meats: Grilled beef tenderloin or rib-eye steak with bordelaise sauce.
• Game: Venison chops or deer filet with cranberries.
• Cheeses: Hard cheeses like aged Comté or Cheddar.

This wine also pairs elegantly with mushroom or truffle-based sauces, as well as traditional French dishes like coq au vin.

The Second Wine: La Borderie de Chauvin

In addition to its grand wine, Château Chauvin also offers a second wine: La Borderie de Chauvin. Made from the same grape varieties as its elder sibling, this second wine provides a more accessible and immediately pleasing interpretation of the Saint-Émilion terroir. It exhibits freshness and rounded tannins while maintaining the elegance and finesse for which the estate is renowned.

Recommended Vintages

• 2018: An exceptional vintage, characterized by great concentration and rich aromas. Both powerful and elegant.
• 2019: A promising wine, with a balanced structure and vibrant fruity aromas. Ready to drink now or to age in the cellar.
• 2020: A younger vintage, already marked by freshness and great aging potential.

Serving Tips

For optimal tasting, we recommend decanting Château Chauvin at least one hour before serving. This wine is best enjoyed at an ideal temperature of 16-18°C. It can be stored in a cellar for around ten years, or even longer for the best vintages.

Ratings and Distinctions

Château Chauvin is regularly praised by international critics for the quality of its wines. Here are some recent distinctions:

• Wine Spectator: 93 points for the 2018 vintage.
• Robert Parker: 92 points for the 2019 vintage.
• Decanter: 94 points for the 2020 vintage.

Château Chauvin and Wine Tourism

The estate also offers exceptional wine tourism experiences. Visitors can explore the vineyard, discover the secrets of winemaking, and participate in guided tastings. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the Saint-Émilion terroir and meet the passionate artisans behind these great wines.

Conclusion

Château Chauvin is an exceptional wine, a true reflection of the nobility and viticultural tradition of Saint-Émilion. Each bottle embodies the expertise and passion that drive this historic estate, offering wine lovers a unique tasting experience. Whether you are a connoisseur or a casual wine enthusiast, this Grand Cru Classé will captivate you with its finesse, balance, and aging potential.

FAQ about Château Chauvin

What are the main characteristics of Château Chauvin? Château Chauvin is a Grand Cru Classé from Saint-Émilion, characterized by its blend of Merlot (75%), Cabernet Franc (20%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). It produces elegant, supple, and refined wines with a rich aromatic bouquet.

How is Château Chauvin wine made? The wine is carefully crafted, combining traditional methods with modern techniques. Aging takes place in French oak barrels, ensuring a perfect balance between fruit and wood.

What is Château Chauvin's second wine? The estate’s second wine is La Borderie de Chauvin, a more accessible wine that nonetheless retains the elegance and finesse of the Grand Vin.

What food pairings do you recommend with Château Chauvin? Château Chauvin pairs ideally with red meats, game, or hard cheeses. It also works well with mushroom or truffle-based sauces.

How long can a bottle of Château Chauvin be stored? Château Chauvin vintages can be stored in a cellar for 10 to 20 years, depending on storage conditions and the vintage.

What is the best temperature to serve Château Chauvin? Château Chauvin is best enjoyed at an ideal temperature of 16-18°C. It is recommended to decant the wine one hour before serving to fully reveal its aromas.