Cour de Mandelotte Bordeaux Rouge AOC 2023

Winery Background and History

Cour de Mandelotte is a Bordeaux label produced under Maison Ginestet, one of the historic négociant houses in Bordeaux. Ginestet has long been involved in sourcing, blending, and distributing Bordeaux wines across multiple appellations, focusing on accessible expressions of classic Bordeaux style. Cour de Mandelotte is positioned as an entry-level Bordeaux AOP wine designed to showcase the regional identity of Bordeaux through fruit-forward blends, consistency, and everyday drinkability. The brand reflects the traditional Bordeaux négociant system, where wines are crafted from selected parcels across the wider Bordeaux region rather than a single estate château.

Producer and Wine Maker

The wine is produced and managed by Maison Ginestet’s technical winemaking team. The approach focuses on blending consistency across multiple vineyard sources within Bordeaux AOP. Winemaking is designed to highlight fruit purity and soft structure rather than terroir-driven single-vineyard complexity. The team works with contracted growers, selecting Merlot-dominant parcels and balancing them with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The objective is to maintain a reliable house style: approachable, medium-bodied Bordeaux red with soft tannins and early drinkability.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes are sourced from various sub-regions within Bordeaux AOP, including Right Bank and general Bordeaux appellation vineyards. The 2023 vintage benefited from a relatively balanced growing season with moderate heat and sufficient rainfall, allowing for even ripening. Predominantly clay-limestone soils contribute to Merlot’s softness and round texture, while gravelly areas support Cabernet Sauvignon structure. Atlantic maritime influence ensures moderate temperatures and steady acidity. The result is a vintage style that emphasizes freshness, ripe fruit expression, and soft tannin integration suitable for early consumption.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Hand and machine-harvested grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks under temperature control to preserve fruit aromas. Maceration typically lasts 8–14 days depending on parcel extraction levels. Malolactic fermentation is completed to soften acidity and round out the palate. Aging is primarily conducted in stainless steel or concrete, with minimal or no new oak influence, ensuring a clean and fruit-driven profile. The winemaking approach prioritizes immediate accessibility, maintaining the classic Bordeaux balance of structure and drinkability without heavy oak imprint.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby-red color with moderate intensity. The nose shows ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, supported by subtle herbal and earthy notes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with soft tannins and a smooth, rounded texture. Flavors of dark berries dominate, followed by light spice and gentle earthy undertones. Acidity is moderate, providing balance and freshness. The finish is clean and straightforward, with a focus on fruit rather than complexity. Overall, it is an easy-drinking Bordeaux red designed for casual enjoyment and immediate consumption.

Food & Wine Pairing

Cour de Mandelotte Bordeaux Rouge 2023 pairs well with everyday Western and Mediterranean cuisine. Ideal with grilled beef burgers, roast chicken, lamb skewers, and simple steak cuts. It also works with pasta dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna, and meat-based ragù. For cheese pairing, semi-soft and semi-hard cheeses like Gouda, Cheddar, and Comté complement its fruit-driven profile. It also matches well with pizza, charcuterie boards, and light BBQ dishes. The soft tannin structure makes it versatile for casual dining settings and group sharing occasions.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• Merlot (dominant, approx. majority blend)
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc