At a glance

Producer

Château Bélair-Monange

Region

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Merlot (92%), Cabernet Franc (8%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$150 - $250

Tasting profile

Intense aromas of black currant, cassis, cedar, graphite, and hints of ripe plum with underlying floral notes

Evolution: With time, secondary notes of leather, truffle, tobacco, and forest floor will become more pronounced

At peak: Elegant complexity with integrated tannins and harmonious balance

Structure

Acidity

Balanced acidity typical of Saint-Émilion

Tannins

Firm, polished tannins providing excellent structure

Alcohol

Moderate to slightly elevated (around 14%)

Aging potential

35-45+ years given pedigree, vintage, and structure

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2060

Optimal window

2025 to 2063

Current status

Approaching early maturity, showing good complexity

Current condition

Developing tertiary notes while retaining fruit freshness

The 2016 vintage in Saint-Émilion was excellent, producing wines with ripe fruit and balanced structure. Château Bélair-Monange, as a top Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, benefits from the vintage's aging potential. The tannin and acidity profiles indicate it will mature well over several decades, reaching peak complexity approximately 10 to 20 years after vintage.

Food pairing

Perfect with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, game birds, mushroom risotto, or aged hard cheeses like Comté or Manchego.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow tannins to soften and aromas to open up, enhancing complexity

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Château Bélair-Monange employs integrated pest management, water conservation techniques, and energy-efficient machinery; uses minimal chemical treatments and practices soil preservation

While not officially organic or biodynamic, Bélair-Monange shows commitment to sustainable viticulture through reduced chemical inputs and environmental stewardship. Their energy and water use are optimized for lower impact, though transportation to global markets remains a contributor to carbon footprint.