Château Sainte-Marie Vieilles Vignes Bordeaux Supérieur 2020

Château Sainte-Marie is a historic and respected winery in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, France. The estate is situated on prime vineyard land between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, benefiting from a unique microclimate and diverse terroir, which includes limestone and clay soils that contribute to the complexity of its wines. Château Sainte-Marie is family-run, with Stéphane Dupuch leading the current operations and continuing the estate's tradition of high-quality Bordeaux wines.

The estate's hallmark red wine, Château Sainte-Marie Vieilles Vignes Bordeaux Supérieur, is made predominantly from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with some of the Merlot vines being over a century old. These "vieilles vignes" (old vines) provide concentration and intensity to the wine, aged partly in stainless steel and partly in French oak barrels. The wine is known for its bright red fruit aromas, such as cherry and raspberry, with hints of spice and a smooth, balanced finish. The Bordeaux Supérieur appellation is a step above standard Bordeaux AOC, indicating stricter quality controls and a more structured, longer-aging wine​.

In addition to their red wines, Château Sainte-Marie also produces white and rosé wines, including Entre-Deux-Mers blends that often feature Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes. These wines are celebrated for their freshness and minerality, showcasing the versatility of the estate's terroir​.

Château Sainte-Marie is a prime example of Bordeaux's ability to combine tradition with modern techniques, producing wines that appeal to connoisseurs and casual wine lovers alike. The estate is also known for its commitment to sustainable viticulture, incorporating environmentally friendly practices to ensure the health of its vineyards and surrounding ecosystems​.

Bordeaux is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world. It is located in the southwest of France. The Gironde River divides the region into the Left Bank and the Right Bank, each with its distinct wine characteristics.

The Left Bank includes the Médoc and Graves regions. The Médoc is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. Notable appellations here include Pauillac, Margaux, and Saint-Estèphe. Graves, located south of Médoc, is known for red and white wines, with Pessac-Léognan being a key appellation.

The Right Bank is home to the Libournais region. The most famous areas are Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. Saint-Émilion is known for its Merlot-dominant wines, often blended with Cabernet Franc. Pomerol, though smaller, is highly esteemed for its rich, full-bodied Merlot wines.

Between the two banks lies the Entre-Deux-Mers area, known for its dry white wines. The name means "between two seas," referring to the Garonne and Dordogne rivers that define the region. This area produces Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes.

Bordeaux's climate is maritime, influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This results in mild winters and warm summers, with ample rainfall that supports viticulture. The region's soils vary, with gravel, limestone, clay, and sand contributing to the diversity of its wines.

Bordeaux wines are often blends. Red Bordeaux, also known as Claret, typically combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. White Bordeaux wines may blend Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle.

The region is also famous for its sweet wines, particularly from Sauternes and Barsac. These wines are made from grapes affected by noble rot, which concentrates their sugars and flavors. Bordeaux has a long history of wine production, dating back to Roman times. It continues to be a benchmark for quality and style in the wine world.