For our March virtual wine tasting event we will be comparing two consecutive vintages from two red wine producers from the Bordeaux region, one of which is Segla, the second wine from the esteemed Chateau Rauzan Segla, 2ème Cru Classé, Margaux.
This historic Chateau dates back to the middle of the 17th century and lies in the wine-growing commune of Margaux, part of the Medoc region on the left bank of the Gironde, and the closest Cru Classé commune to the city of Bordeaux.
A hundred years later the wines of Rauzan Segla had become famous all over the world. After visiting Bordeaux in 1787, Thomas Jefferson, future president of the United States, ordered several cases of Rauzan Segla to be shipped back to America.
Ownership
Having been owned by the de Rauzan family for 200 hundred years, the estate was sold to Eugene Durand-Dassier. His son-in-law, Frederic Cruse, managed the estate at the beginning of the 20th century and was responsible for rebuilding the chateau which remains to this day.
The frost of 1956
In 1956, many of the vines, which comprise Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet France and Petit Verdot, were replanted, following widespread damage from heavy frost.
Since then, Chateau Rauzan Segla has changed ownership several times and has undergone periods of investment in its wine production and has extended the area under cultivation to 74 hectares.
The vineyard today
The vineyard currently consists of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot grapes grown in the area.
The Chateau Rauzan Segla, Margaux 2014 for example, consists of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, of which 60% is aged in French oak barrels after fermentation with large stainless steel tanks.
The vineyards of Chateau Rauzan Segla are planted on clay soils which give the wines their structure and complexity. The clay soils help the vines to retain water and nutrients, resulting in smaller berries with more concentrated flavors.
Tasting Notes - a burst of dark berries
The wine from Chateau Rauzan Segla is typically fruity and floral. The wine has a deep ruby red color with aromas of sweet fruit including black fruits like black currants, violets as well as ripe tannins and a hint of spice. Some describe the wine with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, cassis, and licorice. Thanks to the black and red fruits, the wine finishes with a long and sweet aftertaste.
Pairs well with classic meat dishes
The complex aromas of red and black fruits pair well with grilled meats, especially steak. The wine can also be enjoyed with rich and flavorful dishes such as roasted lamb or veal. Overall it is a very good wine for hearty meals on WInter nights and pairings with Asian or pasta dishes are also worth trying if you have the time.
During our virtual wine tasting, you will learn about how the weather in consecutive years can dramatically affect different vintages.
We will be comparing two Bordeaux vintages, one of which is Segla, the second wine from the esteemed Chateau Rauzan Segla, 2ème Cru Classé, Margaux.
Peter will guide us through the reasons for the different aromas and flavours of the 2014 and 2015 vintages, as well as introduce us to another pairing from Chateau Grand Village, a Bordeaux Superieur from the same years made by the Guinaudeau family, better known as the producers of Château Lafleur in Pomerol.
Join us to discover ‘what a difference a year makes’ in these fine red wines of Bordeaux.
