Émilien 2020

750ml

Overview

Château Le Puy Émilien 2020 is an exceptional biodynamic red wine from the iconic Château Le Puy estate, located in the Bordeaux region. Known for its commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices, this wine is made from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, capturing the essence of the estate's terroir. The 2020 vintage is characterized by a fresh, vibrant profile with a perfect balance of fruit, acidity, and fine tannins. It showcases the estate’s philosophy of creating wines with authenticity and elegance while maintaining a strong sense of place.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: Hand-harvested grapes are sorted meticulously before fermentation. Fermentation occurs naturally with indigenous yeasts in traditional wooden vats, preserving the purity of the fruit and imparting complexity to the wine.
• Maceration: The wine undergoes a gentle maceration process, which allows for optimal extraction of color, tannin, and aromatic compounds without overpowering the wine.
• Aging: Château Le Puy Émilien 2020 is aged for 12–18 months in a combination of new and seasoned oak barrels. The aging process enhances the wine’s texture, allowing it to integrate the oak influence while preserving the fresh fruit character.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: The wine has a deep, rich ruby color, with a hint of violet at the edges, reflecting its youth and vibrancy.
• Aroma: The nose offers an enticing bouquet of ripe dark fruits, including blackberry, black cherry, and plum. Subtle earthy notes of tobacco, leather, and a hint of graphite are complemented by floral undertones and a touch of vanilla from the oak.
• Palate: On the palate, Château Le Puy Émilien 2020 is medium to full-bodied, with smooth tannins and a well-balanced structure. The fruit is fresh and lively, with flavors of blackcurrant, raspberry, and plum. There are also hints of spice, cedar, and a slight herbal character, adding depth and complexity to the wine.
• Finish: The finish is long and harmonious, with the fruit flavors lingering and a touch of minerality that adds freshness. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, ensuring a smooth, satisfying conclusion.

Food Pairing

Château Le Puy Émilien 2020 pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It complements roasted meats, such as lamb, beef, and duck, as well as hearty stews and grilled vegetables. It also works wonderfully with rich pasta dishes like ragù and risotto. For cheese lovers, enjoy it with aged cheeses like Gouda, Comté, or Gruyère.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Serve at 16–18°C (61–64°F) to allow the wine to open up and reveal its full aromatic profile.
• Glassware: Use large, tulip-shaped red wine glasses to enhance the wine’s bouquet and give it space to breathe.

Aging Potential

The Château Le Puy Émilien 2020 has excellent aging potential, thanks to its well-structured tannins and balanced acidity. It will likely continue to evolve over the next 8–12 years, developing greater complexity and depth with time. Cellaring this wine will reward those who enjoy the development of more nuanced flavors and aromas as it matures.