Encyclopedia · Red grape
Defined by pyrazine (bell pepper, graphite, tobacco) and dark fruit. Firm tannin and high acid give it the structure to age. Oak treatment and climate determine whether cedar or vanilla dominates.
Acidity med–high · Tannin high · Alcohol med–high
Climate Maritime. Deep gravel over clay. Left Bank Bordeaux. Gironde moderation.
Style Blended with Merlot, Cab Franc. New French oak. MLF standard. Built for long aging.
Tell Cassis and graphite, cedar and pencil shavings, firm structured tannin, tobacco leaf
Climate Warm Mediterranean. Diurnal shift moderate. Valley floor warmest; mountain sites more structured.
Style Full MLF. New American or French oak. Rich and opulent.
Tell Black cherry and cassis, vanilla and mocha oak, plush polished tannin, generous and ripe
Climate Warm continental. Large diurnal range. Calcareous soils in west subzone.
Style Full MLF. Generous new oak. High alcohol standard. Extracted and plush.
Tell Ripe cassis and blackberry, warm mocha and vanilla, plush extracted tannin, high alcohol warmth
Climate Maritime Mediterranean. Indian Ocean moderation. Cape Mentelle-area gravels.
Style Full MLF. Moderate French oak. Structured, age-worthy. More restrained than Napa.
Tell Cassis and blackcurrant, cedar and tobacco, firm structured tannin, graphite precision
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