Château Prieuré Canteloup 2011 Côtes de Bordeaux, France 75cl

Château Prieuré Canteloup comes from the Côtes de Bordeaux, the group of appellations on the region’s slopes that offer approachable, well-priced reds. It is the kind of property that makes honest, unfussy Bordeaux for everyday drinking rather than for the auction room.

This is a Côtes de Bordeaux red blend built around Merlot, the grape that gives the right-bank and satellite areas their supple, rounded character. Merlot ripens generously here and leads to a softer, more forward wine than the sterner, Cabernet-led styles of the Left Bank, usually with a little Cabernet in support for structure.

From the 2011 vintage, the wine is now a mature, medium-bodied red. A good decade in bottle has smoothed its edges and brought the gentle, savoury notes that come with age, so it is a wine to enjoy now.

Expect aromas of red cherry and cedar with a light earthy, leafy note. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine, integrated tannins and a gentle, easy finish that never turns hard. Serve at cool room temperature, with a brief decant if you like.

If you like approachable, Merlot-led claret without a big price tag, this Côtes de Bordeaux is a sound midweek choice. It is versatile at the table and pairs well with roast chicken, sausages, cottage pie and a plate of charcuterie. Undemanding and ready to drink, it makes an easy everyday red for a weeknight supper or a relaxed evening with friends, with no need to fuss over it or set it aside for a special occasion.