Château Viramière Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016 Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France 75cl

Château Viramière lies in Saint-Émilion, the medieval hilltop town whose vineyards define right-bank Bordeaux and draw visitors as much for their beauty as their wines. Its Grand Cru status places it within the appellation’s quality tier, the level associated with more ambitious, carefully made reds.

This is a Saint-Émilion red blend led by Merlot, the grape that gives the right bank its plush, rounded texture, typically supported by Cabernet Franc for lift and perfume. The result is a style fuller and softer on the palate than the firmer, Cabernet Sauvignon-led clarets of the Left Bank.

From the 2016 vintage, the wine offers a ripe, full-bodied profile, with the concentration and sweetness of fruit that mark a warm right-bank red at 14% alcohol. It drinks well now and has the structure to develop further over the coming years.

Expect aromas of ripe plum, dark chocolate and gentle baking spice. The palate is full and generous, with fine, ripe tannins framing the fruit and a long, warming finish. Decant it an hour ahead to let the wine open fully and soften.

If you favour Merlot-led, right-bank Bordeaux, this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru delivers the plush, comforting style the region is loved for. It is a natural match for roast lamb, beef, duck and a board of mature cheeses. Ripe and welcoming rather than austere, it is an approachable way into Saint-Émilion and a good bottle for a Sunday roast or a relaxed dinner with friends who enjoy a generous, comforting red with real fruit and warmth.