Château Arricau-Bordes is an iconic, historical estate in the Southwest French region of Madiran, home to an impressive 16th-century château set high on the rolling hills facing the Pyrenees mountains. Owned by Plaimont Producteurs, the estate is dedicated to showcasing the full potential of Tannat, the region's legendary flagship red grape. The steep, gravelly clay slopes receive optimal sun exposure and protective mountain airflow, allowing the thick-skinned Tannat grapes to achieve full phenolic maturity while preserving essential natural acidity.

The 2021 vintage showcases a cool-climate balance, allowing Tannat (blended with a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon) to display its savory, structural authority without overwhelming heaviness. The grapes undergo a long maceration with gentle extraction techniques to manage the variety's naturally formidable tannic structure. Aged in oak barrels for 12 to 14 months, the 2021 Château Arricau-Bordes yields a broad, deeply colored red filled with dark forest fruits, earthy spice, and an unmistakable rustic soul.

Why You'll Love It

• It is a quintessential expression of Madiran, perfect for collectors seeking powerful, age-worthy, and deeply savory Southwestern French reds.
• The 2021 vintage provides wonderful freshness and lift, balancing Tannat's intense power with a vibrant core of acidity.
• The nose exhibits complex layers of black plums, dark blackberries, licorice, leather, cigar box, and fresh espresso bean.
• The palate is robust, muscular, and dense, packed with rich, dry tannins that soften into a long, warming finish.
• It offers remarkable value for a historic, single-estate red built to evolve over a decade or more.

How To Serve It

• Serve at a cool room temperature between 62°F and 65°F to ensure the firm tannins remain smooth on the palate.
• Given the dense tannin structure of Tannat, a decant of at least 1 to 1.5 hours is strongly advised before serving.
• Pour into appropriate stemware to give the deep, earthy, and spicy aromatics room to open.
• Demands rich, hearty fare, pairing beautifully with cassoulet, grilled ribeye steak, confit duck leg, or slow-braised beef short ribs.