Château de Malengin : Eve 2019

Tasting characteristics and advice for Château de Malengin’s Eve 2019

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a deep ruby-red hue with purple highlights.

Nose

The nose opens on an intense, complex bouquet of black and red fruits (plum, cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant), lifted by notes of dark chocolate, licorice and floral touches. Hints of eucalyptus, peppermint and a clay-driven minerality complete this aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, the wine shows a medium body with a silky texture and fine tannins. The fresh, precise attack reveals a lovely fruity expression of cherries and plums, supported by a distinctive mineral tension. The lingering finish extends with aromas of cocoa, spices and tobacco.

Food and wine pairings

This wine is best enjoyed as an aperitif with tapas, charcuterie or grilled sardines. It also pairs beautifully with roasted white meats, duck confit, as well as beef and game dishes.

Serving and cellaring

Eve 2019 can be served at a temperature of 16-18°C. One hour of aeration before serving is recommended. This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve through to around 2032.

A full-bodied and delicate Montagne-Saint-Émilion

The estate

Created in 2003 when it was acquired by Edmond de Rothschild Héritage, Château de Malengin is an 11-hectare estate located in Montagne-Saint-Émilion, on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, perched on a limestone promontory with clay-limestone soils. The property still belongs to Edmond de Rothschild Héritage and is run by Ève de Rothschild, who created the Eve cuvée. A standout feature: aging primarily in amphorae—rare in Bordeaux—to enhance fruit, tension and minerality, at the foot of a medieval fortress dating back to 1330.

The vineyard

The vineyard covers 11 hectares at 77 meters above sea level on a limestone promontory within the Montagne-Saint-Émilion appellation. The clay-limestone soils give the wines their characteristic power and minerality. The vines, averaging 23 years of age, are planted in north-south rows with an east-west exposure to optimize sunshine. The estate holds Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE3) certification, reflecting environmentally responsible viticulture.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage in Bordeaux is considered exceptional, comparable to great years such as 2018, 2016 and 2015. Favorable weather conditions allowed optimal grape ripening, delivering a remarkable balance between concentration and freshness. This year benefited from an ideal growing cycle, allowing terroirs to express themselves authentically.

Winemaking and aging

The Eve 2019 cuvée stands out for its innovative 12-month aging: 50% in terracotta amphorae, 30% in oak barrels and 20% in stainless steel vats. This breakdown preserves aromatic purity and fruit freshness while adding structure and complexity. Thanks to their natural porosity, amphorae encourage gentle micro-oxygenation and create a vortex movement that keeps the lees in suspension, enriching the wine without pronounced oak influence.

Grape variety

100% Merlot