Xavier Milhade Wines
Château Recougne 2020
Bordeaux Superieur
Legend has it that the name Recougne came in “recognition” of the quality of its wines by King Henri IV in the early 17th century, and while wine has been made on the site for 400 years, the estate is perhaps more relevant today than ever. As Bordeaux recalibrates towards producing wines of freshness and balance, Recougne stands as an example of a pure, fresh style that has remained steadfast for over half a century. The wines have concentration and energy, with pure red and black fruits and a complex earthiness. Amazingly, examples of Recougne from the 1950s and 1960s are still drinking gorgeously.
Today the wines are made by one of the young stars of the right bank, the fourth generation of his family to make wine at Recougne, Marc Milhade. Marc’s philosophy and energy are guided towards more work in the vineyard, and less intervention (in this case, continuing less intervention) in the cellar.
Vineyard
Merlot is best suited to the gravelly clay terroir and is the majority planting, complemented by both Cabernets. Factors that contribute to the quality of the vineyard include: several parcels of very old vines of 50+ years, environmentally friendly viticultural techniques, minimal spraying, low yields through green harvesting and excellent canopy management.
The vineyards surrounding the estate straddle the superior Fronsac appellation, which hints at the quality of the site.
Winemaking
Selection is performed in the vineyard through green-harvesting, and the grapes are mostly destemmed, with up to about 10-15% of whole cluster included for structure. Fermentation takes place in traditional cement vats followed by 15 months aging in large vessels (no oak barrel) before bottling with minimal filtration.
VINTAGE
A rainy winter followed cool spring weather and inconsistent flowering, but the summer weather was dry and warm with even temperatures through harvest. A little August rain helped the vines mature and kept acidities fresh. Bordeaux’s Right Bank did exceptionally well, and Merlot and Cabernet Franc were particularly successful. The wines are rich, full, and savory, with ripe acidity and round, sweet tannins – an excellent vintage for the cellar, which nonetheless can be enjoyed young for its exuberant fruit.
Tasting Note
A nose of red fruits, a deep and powerful structure, silky tannins: an elegant, complex and rich wine. These values give this wine an excellent aptitude for ageing.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Appellation
Bordeaux Superieur
Farming
Since 2018, our 3 estates are all certified “High Environmental Value” Level III. This highest level of certification affirms our commitment and guarantees our management of numerous environmental parameters.
Alcohol
14.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$19
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Château des Ormeaux
Lalande-de-Pomerol
Nestled under the stewardship of Julien Richard, a dedicated third-generation winemaker and the husband of Elodie Milhade (also the proprietor of Château Tour Bayard), this estate flourishes with a commitment to sustainability.
Château Recougne Blanc
The Milhade family has been landowners in Bordeaux for three generations and currently own six properties in the right bank regions of Saint-Émilion, Lussac- Saint-Émilion, Lalande-de-Pomerol, and Bordeaux Supérieur. Their wines represent both amazing value in Bordeaux and the beautiful results that can be achieved by small family estates focused on producing high quality wines. The wines are marked by wonderful, expressive fruit and retain an authenticity and soulfulness.
Château Boutisse
Purchased in 1996, the Milhade family have invested enormously in the vineyards and facilities at Boutisse and, above all, with their energy. Today Boutisse is no longer a surprise - dynamic young winemaker Marc Milhade has transformed this estate into an outstanding Saint-Emilion, with ripe, structured and engaging character.
Château Montcabrier
Château Montcabrier is a selection parcèllaire from the Milhade family’s estate, Château Recougne. This property has produced wine for more than 400 years, and has been recognized for nearly as long for producing outstanding wine - its name is said to have come from King Henri IV in the early 17th century, in “recognition” of the quality of its wine. The Milhade family purchased the property in the early 1950s, and Recougne has become their flagship estate, producing quintessential pure Bordeaux each vintage – classic “claret” in the best sense of the word. Montcabrier is a produced in the same manner as Recougne, but from younger vines and parcels giving more forward, fruity wines
Château Tour Bayard
Château Tour Bayard is a recent addition to the Milhade portfolio, coming into the family through marriage. This 25 acre property has been run by the Richard family since 1956, and is now regarded as one of the top estates in the appellation.