Profile

Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Aciditymedium
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2018: best 2023 to 2038.

vintage5 yrs20 yrs22 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
James Suckling reviewed 2021201893/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninMedium acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: rich dark berry, black cherry, mocha, vanilla, cedar, dark chocolate

Palate: concentrated, jammy black fruit, chocolate-covered cherries, firm tannins, deep finish

The prestige selection of Chateau de la Riviere, sourced exclusively from the estate's oldest Merlot vines in a single 1.5-hectare plot and aged entirely in new French oak. Produced only in the best vintages; a luxury expression of Fronsac terroir.

What it pairs with

  • Beef Wellington The wine's concentrated dark fruit and vanillin oak are a natural partner to duxelles-wrapped fillet; the richness of pastry is matched by Aria's full body.More wines for roast beef →
  • Slow-roasted short rib with truffle mash Collagen richness and earthy truffle resonate with Aria's mocha and cedar register.More wines for truffles →
  • Foie gras terrine Full-body and plush fruit cushion the intense fat of foie gras; a rare Left-meets-Right pairing.More wines for foie gras →

How to serve Aria du Chateau de la Riviere

Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Beef Wellington, Slow-roasted short rib with truffle mash, Foie gras terrine. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

The Aria cuvee was created by the estate in 2000 as a luxury selection from the oldest Merlot vines on the 1.5-hectare plateau plot. Produced only in superior vintages with 15,000 bottles maximum, the cuvee demonstrates concentration potential from Fronsac limestone. The 100% new oak regime distinguishes it from the estate's regular cuvee.

  1. 2000First vintage of Aria produced as prestige selection from oldest vines

Facts

Producer
Chateau de la Riviere · visiting guide
Grapes
Merlot (76%), Cabernet Sauvignon (12%), Cabernet Franc (8%), Malbec (4%)
Classification
Fronsac AOC
Oak
18 months in 100% new French oak barrels
ABV
14.0%
Production
15,000 bottles
Price
€65-100 at retail
Drinking window
5-20 from vintage
First vintage
2000

Frequently asked about Aria du Chateau de la Riviere

What does Aria du Chateau de la Riviere taste like?

On the nose, rich dark berry, black cherry, mocha, vanilla, cedar. On the palate, concentrated, jammy black fruit, chocolate-covered cherries, firm tannins, deep finish. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, medium acidity with a long finish. The prestige selection of Chateau de la Riviere, sourced exclusively from the estate's oldest Merlot vines in a single 1.5-hectare plot and aged entirely in new French oak. Produced only in the best vintages; a luxury expression of Fronsac terroir.

When should I drink Aria du Chateau de la Riviere?

Drink 5-20 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Aria du Chateau de la Riviere?

Beef Wellington is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Slow-roasted short rib with truffle mash and Foie gras terrine. The wine's concentrated dark fruit and vanillin oak are a natural partner to duxelles-wrapped fillet; the richness of pastry is matched by Aria's full body.

What grapes are in Aria du Chateau de la Riviere?

The blend is Merlot (76%), Cabernet Sauvignon (12%), Cabernet Franc (8%), Malbec (4%). The wine is classified as Fronsac AOC.

Tags

cabernet franc cabernet sauvignon cellar worthy dry firm tannin full body hidden gem malbec medium acid merlot mood bold mood elegant occasion cellar occasion gift occasion special old vines old world pairs with foie gras pairs with red meat pairs with truffles price premium single vineyard still red

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