The Romans started planting vines in Bordeaux back in the 1st century. They understood that the combination of rich soil, climate and exposition here were ideal for cultivating the grapes and this is still the case today. By the 19th century merlot was being regularly planted in the Ctes-de-Bourg district. After a series of setbacks that included a severe frost in 1956 and several vintages in the 1960s lost to rot, French authorities in Bordeaux banned new plantings of merlot vines between 1970 and 1975. Thankfully they are back planting again and the world can rest easy again.

Chateau Haut-Maco Traditionnelle is blended with 70% merlot and 30% cabernets. Not surprisingly it is a standout wine as the family have been making itfor 4 generations. It has been blended meticulously and the blackberries, raspberries and that typical lick of earthiness that you get on both the nose and palate are combined with babysmooth tannins …joyous to the taste buds! This is a super Bordeaux, oozing loads of character and itwont break your budget.

It is also a very versatile, food friendly wine. We matched it with a classic beef eye fillet and Dijonsauce (click for recipe) and it was just scrumptious!