Croix De Marsan Bordeaux

The fruit comes from around 150 hectares of clay and limestone slopes and gravelly plateau in the Entre-deux-Mers, from vines averaging 20 years old. The blend is 70 percent Merlot, 20 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 10 percent Cabernet Franc. After a few days of cold maceration to build colour and fruit, the wine ferments at controlled temperatures, then spends six months in American oak barrels and six months in tank.

In the glass it is a garnet red with red berries and black fruit on the nose and a light toasted edge. The palate is supple and round, with mellow tannins. That softness makes it an easy red to match: roast lamb, grilled sausages, a mushroom pasta or a simple tomato-based casserole all suit it.