You will find La Grande Barde just on the outskirts of the town of Montagne, center of the appellation of Montagne St. Emilion. This appellation produces some of the most powerful wines of all the satellite appellations of St. Emilion. Like most of the producers in this region, the wines are based on Merlot as the rich clayey and limestone soils are ideal for this grape variety. Dominique Maurèze directs the wine production at this property and is looking for elegance and supple richness and balance.

That is truly what he has produced here. Based on Merlot (80%), Dominique adds 10% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to add structure, finesse and acidity to a velvety Merlot base. What he gets is an intensely colored wine that is limpid (clear) and brilliant and offers an aromatic bouquet with fine touches of red fruits such as cherry, red currant and raspberry.

The wine is supple and elegant and the red fruits in the bouquet follow through in the rich flavors, which are well balanced with the light touch of wood from the 12 months of oak barrel ageing.

La Grande Barde can be served with light meats such as pork as well as fowl, grilled fish, light cheeses, pâtés and cold cuts.

Château La Grande Barde should cellar well for another 5 - 7 years to come.

Selected and imported by Grape News Importing, Ltd. Chicago, IL