Grand Cru translates from French as “great growth”, but there’s more to those two rather fancy-sounding French words than that. In Saint-Émilion, they signal a wine made under stricter production rules than standard Saint-Émilion. Vieux Château des Combes Saint-Emilion Grand Cru fits the bill: a classic red Bordeaux blending 60% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon and 10% cabernet franc, aged for 12 months in French oak.
Our pick this week:
Vieux Château des Combes, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux 750ml
R399.99, Woolworths
Why we love it:
The term “Grand Cru” tends to make wine sound rather intimidating. Thankfully, this one is anything but. Deep ruby in colour, it’s rich and balanced, with ripe red and dark fruit, cherry and a touch of spice, and plenty of depth without feeling overworked. Open it with a good steak and truffle fries, a creamy Brie or a proper cheeseboard, or simply because Friday is here!
