Chateau Marquis d'Alesme 2019

Ariel Li
Sep 3, 2023
2 min read

Grand Cru Classé

Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation/Location: Margaux
Vintage: 2019
Bottle Size: 750 ml.
Proof/ABV: 14%
Grape: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot

Impressions

The wine is a typical young and nice Margaux Grand Cru, as I first tasted it in 2023. A hint of ruby red flare highlights the deep purple color of the wine. Aromas of ripe and fragrant berries are combined with floral notes like lavender and violet in the glass. Fresh herbs, freshly harvested spices, and a hint of peppery notes from the Cabernet family. The use of oak adds a touch of vanilla warmth. Currently, it does not taste quite earthy, but some chocolate and smoke notes are present. There is a smooth yet grippy texture to the tanning. The acidity balances out all the flavors very well. This wine is fruit-forward and easy to drink at such a young age. With time, I am sure it will develop into something even more exciting. It's a good value considering all.

Background

Margaux is the most inland appellation of the Médoc on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. "Margaux’s gravel soils are the thinnest of the Médoc, making them most penetrable by vine roots—some reaching down over 23 feet for water. The best sites are said to be on gentle outcrops, or croupes, where more gravel facilitates good drainage."

Château Marquis d`Alesme Becker is a Third Growth wine producer situated in the Margaux appellation. In 2006, Chateau Marquis d’Alesme Becker was sold by the Zuger family to the Perrodo family for 25 Million Euros. The estate applies sustainable farming techniques and starting with the 2016 vintage, only organic and biodynamic approaches to viticulture have been used in their vineyards.

Chateau Marquis d’Aleseme underwent a massive renovation to the estate that was completed in time for the 2015 harvest. The design, created by the architect Fabien Pedelaborde,(who recently finished a renovation and redesign at Chateau Soutard in St. Emilion) is a blending of Asian and classic French influences that came from the owner, Nathalie Perrodo, who is half Chinese and half French.

The exteriors of the building retained the classic French stylings of the chateau. Inside, however, the design showcased distinctive influences from China. Above the fermentation vats, a large, bronze dragon with 22,000 scales has been designed to hang from the wood ceilings with patterns that take into account water, earth, and heaven impressed into the cement. (www.thewinecellarinsider.com)

Chateau Marquis d'Alesme is aged in 60% new, French oak barrels for an average of 18 months. For the first three months of the aging process, the wine is aged on its fine lees.

Recommended Serving Temperature

15 – 18°C.

Wine and Food Pairing

Chateau Marquis d’Alesme is a perfect match with meat dishes such as pork, beef, and lamb. The tannings are bold to stand up to the food. The flavors go well with Asian dishes, grilled and roasted food as well as a wide variety of hard and soft cheeses.