Chateau Cantin Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux 2010

Chateau Cantin 'Vieux Chateau de Combes' Merlot-Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

★ Only ★
$38.65 a bottle

$232.00 ( Case of 6 )

Nectar of the Gods

About the Winemaker

Saint-Emilion has to be the most attractive and historic wine village in the whole of Bordeaux, with its dramatic position and medieval centre. Saint-Emilion is registered as a world heritage site by UNESCO. It has a rich history and traditions including the formal celebrations at the beginning and end of the grape harvest – Fête de Printemps (Spring Festival) in June and Ban des Vendanges (Vintage Festival) in September every year under the auspices of the Jurade de Saint-Emilion, the local wine guild.

The wines here are usually dominated by the Merlot grape (60%), Cabernet Franc (30%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) – hence although part of the Bordeaux appellation they are quite distinctive in character as most of Bordeaux favours the Cabernet Sauvignon grape as the predominant varietal.

Written mentions of wine from Saint-Emilion date back to ancient times. When the region was under Roman control, wine from the poet-consul Ausone were proudly included on Caesar’s table. In 1650, when Louis XIV passed through Libourne, he compared wines from Saint-Emilion to the “Nectar of the Gods”.

Château Cantin takes its name from the Latin Cantio, singing, song. Of all the key players in the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru appellation, Château Cantin is without a doubt the Tenor, the soloist on whom all eyes and applause rest. This 33 hectare estate, located on a limestone plateau, benefits from an excellent degree of sunshine.

Most of the buildings that surround the Château’s main courtyard date from the 17th century. They were erected by Benedictine monks to serve both as a farm and a monastery for their religious order. They also served as the summer residence for the Saint- Emilion canons.

About the Wine

The Chateau Cantin Saint-Emilion Grand Cru is a classic Saint-Emilion blend, hand picked and dominated by the Merlot grape , together with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The yield is 28 hl to 48 hl per hectare on parcels that are 40 years old on average. Three selections are done during the harvest: the first when the grapes are picked, the second when the back baskets are emptied and the last when the grapes are dumped from the tipcart onto a sorting table for the final selection.

This results in a wine with an intense, clear colour tending towards ruby red with rosy hints. This wine has a fine, complex nose with fine volume on the palate.Lush and full with an herbal and woody character and notes of caramel, grape, rosemary, plum and berries with a long finish.

This wine pairs well with Beef Stew, Grilled Filet Mignon, Hearty Pasta, Sirloin Steak, Spiced Sausage with grilled meats, pasta dishes and cheeses. Serve at around 16-18°C.

But don't just take our word for it - see Guest Juror Mindy Joyce tasting the 2010 Chateau Cantin on Youtube.

Enjoy:)