Mouton Cadet Bordeaux Wine, Better than Ever!
Created in 1930 by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, the Mouton Cadet (M.C.) wines exhibit the rich and diverse elegance of the Bordeaux wine terroir region of France. The Atlantic Ocean's proximity plays an essential, but the sometimes unpredictable role in growing and cultivating exceptional Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
Interesting tidbit: The 1970 vintage took second place, and was the highest ranked French wine, at the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris wine competition. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_Mouton_Rothschild)
M.C. is considered Bordeaux's most successful brand. Year-after-year and despite the differing wine-growing conditions, M.C. continues to provide consistent and pretty darn good quality wines. They are representative of its Bordeaux region, and with their more-than-reasonable tag price(s), remain accessible to the masses.
Image supplied by Coralee Beaulieu
Ophélie Loubersac, a young and dynamic oenologist and winemaker from the of Baron Philippe de Rothschild house, was visiting from France and presented her Mouton Cadet wines. She also talked to us about the diverse history and wines of Mouton Cadet. Then proceeded to walk us through a wine tasting and then food pairings.
(Image courtesy of https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2018/05/london-wine-fair-2018-what-you-need-to-know/3/)
This delightful luncheon was hosted at the "Shore Club," a sophisticated Westin Hotel restaurant, in the heart of downtown Ottawa. We sipped and tasted in their beautifully appointed private dining space the "Rideau Room." The room is intimate and highlighted with stunning original artwork. The Rideau Room lives up to the high standards and elegance of the hotel itself.
Image supplied by Coralee Beaulieu
Interesting tidbit: Château Mouton Rothschild wine plays a brief, but important part in the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever. Bond (played by Sean Connery), after tasting a glass of Mouton Rothschild 1955, casually remarks that he had expected a claret with the grand dinner he has been served. When the villain Mr. Wint (played by Bruce Glover) replies that the cellars are poorly stocked with clarets, Bond exposes Wint's ignorance, replying that Mouton Rothschild, in fact, is a claret. ("Château Mouton Rothschild in Diamonds Are Forever." Bond Lifestyle. www.jamesbondlifestyle.com. Retrieved 19 January 2014.)
What did we taste?
Appearance is a light golden straw in color. Great dry white wine from Bordeaux, with lemon, apricot, floral and sweet honey aromas on the nose. Delicate, subtle flavors of subdued grapefruit and lemongrass. Crisp, dry texture and satisfying acidity. Light grass and citrus finish. Great for a casual wine drinking night with friends. Moreover, great value for the money. PS. The Shore Club served "Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with hot horseradish cocktail sauce." A match made in heaven.
Mouton Cadet Rosé blended of wines made using the direct pressing method. This method produces a lighter colored wine than a classic Bordeaux Rosé. It is heaping with generous fruit aromas and flavors. The nose reveals fresh red fruit aromas, especially strawberry, raspberry and red currant. Then the wine develops notes of aromatic herbs, such as mint. Red fruit flavors on the palate, with a supple and delicate fresh and round finish. This straightforward wine is refreshingly fruity, with soft, yet crisp acidity. This delish wine is meant to be drunk young to enjoy its freshness and fruit. Ideal for meals and aperitifs, it will go perfectly with Provençal-style food.
The Bordeaux Rouge shows a red garnet color. On the nose, the wine is restrained with hints of cherry, blackberry and blackcurrant, then notes of refined spice, especially cinnamon, develop. The palate is nicely developed, with a delightful mix of red and dark fruit concentration, overlaid with earthy, toasty oak, and dried herbs. Balanced tannins. This wine reveals a long and complicated finish of blackberry flavors and toasted notes. PS. The Shore Club served "New York Steak Sandwich, cooked to just shy of medium, with tomato bruschetta, feta and balsamic." Very classic pairing.
You can serve this one slightly chilled; I think it will bring out the lively berry notes. The nose is restrained with hints of cherry, plum and fresh blackberry fruit. The wine has the right mix of red and dark fruit concentration, rounded out with leather, earthy, toasty oak, mocha, pepper and dried herbs notes. More mild in fruits than strong in tannins. The palate is nicely developed, but a little spicy, with a cheerful blackberry and black currant, finish. Well balanced. After taste could linger longer. Decent yet accessible Bordeaux.
You can serve this one slightly chilled; I think it will bring out the lively berry notes. The nose is restrained with hints of cherry, plum and fresh blackberry fruit. The wine has the right mix of red and dark fruit concentration, rounded out with leather, earthy, toasty oak, mocha, pepper and dried herbs notes. More mild in fruits than strong in tannins. The palate is nicely developed, but a little spicy, with a cheerful blackberry and black currant, finish. Well balanced. After taste could linger longer. Decent yet accessible Bordeaux.
Deep garnet-purple color. Decadent aromas of black fruits, cassis, floral, graphite and lead pencil shavings. Rich flavors of black cherries, plums, and spice aromas. Turns to dried mushrooms, sandalwood, with a touch of wet earth and wood. Full-bodied, polished tannins, and incredibly concentrated. A brilliant, classic wine - very smooth and drinking well already! Delicious!
Overall, great wine and food pairings, in a lovely atmosphere.
Images supplied by Coralee Beaulieu
Disclaimer: I am by no means a professional wine taster, instead I consider myself to be a keen wine, drink and food enthusiast who is studying to be a Sommelier. All thoughts and comments are based on my own tasting experiences as such our tastes may vary. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you should always drink and eat what you like.
Cheers Cora at Sip, Sample & Stroll
