Chateau Les Grands Chenes Medoc Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau Les Grands Chenes Medoc with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, the history of the property, and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Les Grands Chenes History, Overview

Chateau Les Grands Chenes, located in the Medoc appellation of Bordeaux has been producing wine since 1880. Prior to its use as a vineyard, Les Grands Chenes was originally used as a fort during the 16th century.

The estate was purchased in 1981 by Jacqueline Gauzy Darricade. Jacqueline Darricade was a dedicated owner who spent much of her time and a lot of money on improving the property before it was sold to Bernard Magrez in 1998.

After purchasing the estate, Bernard Magrez also invested heavily in the property. It is interesting to note that from 1998 until 2002, the estate produced a high-end Cuvee. But that special wine was discontinued in 2002. Those vines were placed back into the Grand Vin, to improve the quality of the main wine.

Chateau Les Grands Chenes Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 38 hectare Les Grands Chenes Left Bank vineyard is planted to 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Franc has been removed from the vineyard. Situated in the northern part of the Bordeaux appellation, the vineyard has a terroir of gravel, clay, and limestone in the soil.

This is one of the better terroirs located this far north in the Haut Medoc, as they have elevations and a view of the Gironde, which creates a micro-climate. On average, the vines are kept at 30 years of age. The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 8,000 vines per hectare.

To produce the wine of Chateau Les Grands Chenes, the grapes are whole berry fermented. Vinification takes place in a combination of large wood vats and stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat. The wine of Les Grands Chenes is aged in 50% new, French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling.

The best vintages of Chateau Les Grands Chenes are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009 and 2005.

On average, 15,000 cases of Les Grands Chenes wine are produced every year. There is a second wine, which was known as Le Chenes Noir. That recently changed names to Temperance de Grands Chenes.

Like all of his properties, Bernard Magrez spared no expense in turning this into one of the top Cru Bourgeois vineyards in the Medoc. The wine is ripe, rich, and modern in style. However, the oak can remain part of its personality.

When to Drink Chateau Les Grands Chenes, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Les Grands Chenes needs some time before it can be enjoyed. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 1 to 2 hours, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Chateau Les Grands Chenes is usually better with at least 3-5 years of bottle age. Of course that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Les Grands Chenes offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 4-15 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Les Grands Chenes with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Les Grands Chenes is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. The wine of Chateau Les Grands Chenes is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.

Chateau Les Grands Chenes is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

https://bernard-magrez.com