Peter Morrell tastes four wines from this well-established producer

The Château de France estate has had a long and interesting history. The current mansion on the estate was designed by Jean-Henri Lacoste in the 19th century, and the Thomassin family are currently producing the appellation. Château de France was purchased in 1971 by Bernard Thomassin, has been advised by Michel Rolland since 1996 and is managed by Arnaud Thomassin.

This family estate has 40 hectares in production includes 36 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to produce red wine and 4 hectares of Sauvignon and Semillon for the production of white wine.

The estate is in the Graves’ area to the southeast of Bordeaux on the left bank of the Gironde River. This typically has rare Ferbos soil and – more specifically – a 19-million-year-old parcel called “Coquillat”

The terroir is very special with ideal soil conditions to produce fine wines. The grapes for the Pessac-Léognan red are grown in deep gravelly soil from the Pyrenees with patches of a chalky/clay subsoil.

These are the wines I tasted

Château de France Red Pessac-Léognan 2019

This wine is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon and 51% Merlot, and it pours a deep garnet colour. In the bouquet there are powerful aromas of ripe blackcurrants, plums and cherries with hints of cedar and pepper. In the mouth the tannins are silky smooth and the acidity is well balanced. On the palate the fruit flavours persist and are joined by complex earthy flavours and hints of leather and smoke. The finish is long and fruity. This is an ideal wine to pair with roast meats, game dishes and mature cheeses.

Château de France Red Château Coquillas 2022

This is a blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 65% Merlot. It shows deep red in the glass and on the nose there is a basketful of black soft and stone fruit aromas, plum, cherry, blackberries and currants. In the mouth the body of the wine is solid with very dry, smooth tannins and good minerality. On the palate the flavours increase in their complexity with notes of oak, tobacco, cedar and a good background of earth and smoke. The finish is very strong with a range of tastes shown on the palate. This wine is the ideal companion for BBQ meat and meaty stews.

Château de France White Pessac-Léognan 2024

This refreshing white wine is made with a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon grapes. It pours a light-yellow colour, and the bouquet has an abundance of floral aromas together with tropical fruit and citrus. In the mouth the body is on the bold side of medium and is bright and lively, with good acidity. The palate brings forth more fruit flavours like apricot and and pear coupled with more subtle elements of vanilla and toffee. This wine would pair very well with seafood and be an ideal pre-meal aperitif.

Château de France White Château Coquillas 2024

This interesting wine pours a straw yellow and like the wine before is a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon grapes. The nose has an intriguing mix of tropical lychee and apricot aromas with touches of honey. The mouthfeel has a strong body with good acidity and minerality which brings an elegance to the wine. On the palate the tropical flavours persist with apple and peach emerging and more complex hints from the barrel aging. The finish is fruity and complex. This sophisticated wine perfect to match with white meat dishes and summer salads.

To find out more about the Château de France estate and the wines they produce go to https://chateau-de-france.com/