Château Recougne
Château Recougne 2019
Bordeaux Superieur
Legend has it that the name Recougne came in “recognition” of the quality of its wines by King Henri IV in the early 17th century, and while wine has been made on the site for 400 years, the estate is perhaps more relevant today than ever. As Bordeaux recalibrates towards producing wines of freshness and balance, Recougne stands as an example of a pure, fresh style that has remained steadfast for over half a century. The wines have concentration and energy, with pure red and black fruits and a complex earthiness. Amazingly, examples of Recougne from the 1950s and 1960s are still drinking gorgeously.
Today the wines are made by one of the young stars of the right bank, the fourth generation of his family to make wine at Recougne, Marc Milhade. Marc’s philosophy and energy are guided towards more work in the vineyard, and less intervention (in this case, continuing less intervention) in the cellar.
Vineyard
Merlot is best suited to the gravelly clay terroir and is the majority planting, complemented by both Cabernets. Factors that contribute to the quality of the vineyard include: several parcels of very old vines of 50+ years, environmentally friendly viticultural techniques, minimal spraying, low yields through green harvesting and excellent canopy management.
The vineyards surrounding the estate straddle the superior Fronsac appellation, which hints at the quality of the site.
Winemaking
Selection is performed in the vineyard through green-harvesting, and the grapes are mostly destemmed, with up to about 10-15% of whole cluster included for structure. Fermentation takes place in traditional cement vats followed by 15 months aging in large vessels (no oak barrel) before bottling with minimal filtration.
VINTAGE
Globally, 2019 was the warmest year on record. The winter of 2019 was mild, with limited rain and only three days of frost. Spring was mild and temperatures were near-normal for the season, with abundant rainfall at the end of April and again between June 5th and June 18th. Despite the rain, the vineyards remained in a very good state throughout the year. Temperatures remained unseasonably warm with little rainfall leading up to harvest, resulting in concentrated ripeness; the wines are described as having “harmony, balance and freshness” (James Suckling) with “rich fruits, concentration, and plenty of tannins”(Decanter).
Tasting Note
A nose of red fruits, a deep and powerful structure, silky tannins: an elegant, complex and rich wine. These values give this wine an excellent aptitude for ageing.
Color
Red
Blend %
100% Bordeaux Red Blend
Appellation
Bordeaux Superieur
Alcohol
14.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$19
Reviews
Wine Enthusiast - November 22, 2021
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Château Recougne Blanc
The Milhade family has been landowners in Bordeaux for three generations and currently own six properties in the right bank regions of Saint-Émilion, Lussac- Saint-Émilion, Lalande-de-Pomerol, and Bordeaux Supérieur. Their wines represent both amazing value in Bordeaux and the beautiful results that can be achieved by small family estates focused on producing high quality wines. The wines are marked by wonderful, expressive fruit and retain an authenticity and soulfulness.
