Wines Saint-Émilion Château Martinet - Genèse - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château Martinet's Cuvée Genèse 2020 from Saint-Émilion AOC is a fine red Bordeaux, crafted with precision that highlights both the distinctiveness of its terroir and the traditions of the appellation. Typically, Saint-Émilion blends are dominated by Merlot, supported by Cabernet Franc and occasionally Cabernet Sauvignon, which imparts a fragrant complexity and generous fruit structure to the wine. The 2020 vintage is marked by favourable growing conditions, resulting in expressive wines with vibrant fruit, supple tannins, and a poised balance. The vinification process for this cuvée likely combines modern and traditional methods, ensuring a careful extraction of colour and flavour while preserving the finesse that characterises the estate.

The region of Saint-Émilion, situated on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, is famed for its undulating landscapes and diverse soils—ranging from clay-limestone on the plateau to sandy soils near the Dordogne. The area benefits from a temperate maritime climate, tempered by river proximity and natural rain barriers. This geography and climate enable Merlot and its blending partners to reach optimal ripeness, imbuing the wines with both elegance and depth. With a viticultural heritage spanning centuries, Saint-Émilion is celebrated for producing wines of profound structure that age gracefully, alongside a reputation for vibrant village culture and UNESCO World Heritage status.

For food pairing, this Saint-Émilion red’s supple tannic framework and ripe dark fruit profile complement rich meats such as roast lamb or duck breast, as well as beef dishes in red wine sauce. It shines alongside classic French cuisine like entrecôte bordelaise or confit de canard, and even partners elegantly with local cheeses such as Saint-Nectaire or Tomme de Saint-Émilion. Grilled vegetables and mushroom-based dishes, particularly with truffle, also pair beautifully.

To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and velvety texture, serve this wine between 16-18°C, ideally after allowing it to breathe or even decanting it for an hour if drunk young. This will reveal its nuanced structure and allow the subtler notes—like graphite, violet, and spice—to emerge gracefully.