{"product_id":"chateau-arricau-bordes-madiran","title":"2021 Château Arricau-Bordes, Madiran","description":"\u003cp\u003eChâteau 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt is a quintessential expression of Madiran, perfect for collectors seeking powerful, age-worthy, and deeply savory Southwestern French reds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe 2021 vintage provides wonderful freshness and lift, balancing Tannat's intense power with a vibrant core of acidity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe nose exhibits complex layers of black plums, dark blackberries, licorice, leather, cigar box, and fresh espresso bean.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe palate is robust, muscular, and dense, packed with rich, dry tannins that soften into a long, warming finish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt offers remarkable value for a historic, single-estate red built to evolve over a decade or more.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow To Serve It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServe at a cool room temperature between 62°F and 65°F to ensure the firm tannins remain smooth on the palate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGiven the dense tannin structure of Tannat, a decant of at least 1 to 1.5 hours is strongly advised before serving.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePour into appropriate stemware to give the deep, earthy, and spicy aromatics room to open.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDemands rich, hearty fare, pairing beautifully with cassoulet, grilled ribeye steak, confit duck leg, or slow-braised beef short ribs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47626212900918,"sku":"SOMM2609-CAB21MAD-750","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2021ChateauArricau-Bordes_Madiran_1.png?v=1788974705","url":"https:\/\/sommselect.com\/products\/chateau-arricau-bordes-madiran","provider":"SommSelect","version":"1.0","type":"link"}