Haut-médoc Château De Braude '18 Bordeaux Recipe

1. Check and chill

Bring the bottle to ideal serving temperature. For a Haut-Médoc 2018, target 16–18°C (60–64°F). If the bottle is cooler (cellar temperature ~12–14°C), let it rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. If it's too warm, chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes, checking frequently.

2. Select large-bowled red wine glasses so the wine can open. Ensure glasses are clean and free of strong detergent or scented residue.

3. Inspect the bottle

Hold the bottle up to a light or use a candle behind the bottle to check for sediment. 2018 Bordeaux can have some sediment if older or unfined; if present, decant.

4. Open the bottle

Cut the foil just below the lip, wipe the top of the bottle, then use a waiter’s corkscrew to gently remove the cork. Smell the cork briefly: a clean, slightly earthy smell is normal; if it smells strongly musty or moldy, the wine may be corked.

5. Decant (optional but recommended)

If the wine has visible sediment or you want to accelerate aeration, pour slowly into a clean decanter in one steady stream. Stop when you see sediment reach the neck (use a light behind the bottle to help). For a 2018 Haut-Médoc, decant for 45–90 minutes to allow tannins to soften and aromas to open. If no decanting, pour directly into glasses and allow to breathe 15–30 minutes.

6. Pour

Pour about 120–150 ml per glass (roughly one-third full for large red glasses) to leave room for swirling and smelling.

7. Assess the wine

Look: Observe deep ruby to garnet color. Swirl: Gently swirl to release aromas. Smell: Note primary aromas (blackcurrant, plum), secondary (oak, vanilla, cedar) and tertiary (leather, tobacco) if present. Taste: Take a sip, let it coat the palate. Expect balanced acidity, structured tannins and dark-fruit flavors typical of Haut-Médoc.

8. Pairings

Serve with sliced baguette, aged cheeses, and charcuterie. The wine pairs well with roasted or grilled red meats, lamb, beef stews, and hard cheeses. Offer water at the table to cleanse the palate between sips and bites.

9. If you do not finish the bottle, re-cork it (use original cork or a wine stopper) and refrigerate upright for up to 3–5 days. For longer preservation, use a vacuum pump or inert gas preserver. Let the wine return to serving temperature before drinking again.