Wine of The Month- March
Welcome to our March wine of the month feature, where, our Master of Wine James Davis picks a bottle from the Adnams range that we’re excited about. Over to James….
Château Argadens, is a true example of what the world-famous terroir of Bordeaux has to offer. Blended with 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, this wine offers aromas of ripe, black-berried fruit and elegant oak. It possesses generous fruit and a powerful, rich and chewy palate.
Bordeaux is a spiritual home for wine, and while I love to experiment with new and exciting regions, I always love coming back to Bordeaux year after year to see what it has to offer and it never disappoints.
The Winery
Château Argadens is part of the Maison Sichel collection, a family run business since its foundation in 1883. Originally being set up as a wine merchant, Sichel evolved to become one of the best producers in France and home to some of the finest wines in Bordeaux.
After being purchased by the Sichel family, the name Château Argadens was created as a nod to the family name of the original noble family that founded the estate in the 13th century.
It's fair to say it's gone through some considerable change with Maison Sichel modernising the winery without losing the rustil historical charm.
Located in Saint-André-du-Bois, just 60 km south of Bordeaux, the Sichel family are determined to ensure that the first-class taste of the terroir comes through in every single vintage, and after picking up numerous awards year after year, it's obvious that Château Argadens has become a true superstar of the appellation of Bordeaux Supérieur.
Bordeaux Supérieur
To be classified as a Bordeaux Supérieur wine, the grapes need to come from certain appellations that meet strict quality standards, so when you’re buying a bottle of Bordeaux Supérieur, you know you're getting, well...a superior wine.
Only around 5% of all hectares dedicated to wine grapes in Bordeaux are designated for Supérieur Wines, and only around 15% of bottles produced are under this classification.
Like all wines from Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur wine can only be made from the 6 accepted grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenère. With Château Argadens residing on the right bank of the Gironde river, the dominant variety in this wine is Merlot, a grape more suited to the terroir found here.
Food Match
This Château Argadens is a versatile wine. Great with lighter meats such as chicken and excellent with a Coq au vin, but also matches well with heavier meats and cheeses.