Cabernet Sauvignon origins are from the Gironde in southwest France, but is now planted across the world in climates that accommodate this late ripening grape. It is the dominant grape in wines made in Bordeaux’s Médoc and Graves regions. This small, thick-skinned grape, produces darkly colored wine, high in tannin and relatively high in acidity with hallmark aromas of blackcurrant and can stylistically change from austere in its youth to lush depending on the region, and winemaking style.
Merlot
Mer-LO
It would be easier to detail where Merlot is not grown than vice-versa, as it is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world. Depending on the terroir, the style can vary quite a bit. Generally, Merlot is fleshy and more fruit driven and with less aggressive tannins than its oft more austere blending partner, Cabernet Sauvignon, which also makes it more accessible in its youth. The quality and character can vary from crowd pleasing sweet plummy fruit to extraordinary complex velvety texture of a great right bank Bordeaux.
Cabernet Franc
Ca-ber-NAY FRANK
Cabernet Franc is grown all over the world, but the best expressions are generally found in France, specifically in the Loire, South West, and Bordeaux as a key part of many blends. Medium bodied and more aromatic than Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc’s aromas can have an herbaceous tinge depending on the ripeness level.
Located on the left bank in Pauillac, Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Pichon Longueville Baron were once one large estate that, after the passing of Joseph de Pichon Longueville, was split between his two children, later changing hands. Under May-Éliane de Lencquesaing, the estate hit new quality levels which led people to consider it a “super” Second Growth, or even better than its 1855 classification.
Currently owned by the Rouzard family, Pichon Lalande has incorporated sustainable farming and is slowly transitioning to biodynamic viticulture. The château is ideally situated between the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean, is defined by gravel and clay soils, and enjoys a microclimate that tempers extreme weather, which facilitates a long ripening season.
The wines of Pichon Lalande are cabernet-dominated wines but for the left bank, where there is a notable mix of merlot. The wines are remarkably consistent, balancing elegance and power with layers of dark fruit and a lead-pencil minerality.
