Château d’Issan 2020: a new blend to delight the market
For its 2020 vintage, this Margaux Troisième Grand Cru Classé has added three new grape varieties to the blend. This innovation was well received by the market when the en primeur samples were released.
Gaining density without losing its authenticity
As Twins’s export manager Aymar Cruse explains: ‘It is not every day that you see three new grape varieties being added to the blend of a Grand Cru Classé, it is extremely rare.’ For its 2020 vintage, Château d’Issan essentially opted to surprise. To its traditional grape varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the Médoc estate added Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. This (at first glance rather bold) idea ultimately took hold following the acquisition of a neighbouring estate where these three grape varieties were grown.
‘Right from the outset, if the quality was there, we were seeking to incorporate these three grape varieties into our new blend, in particular for the 2020 vintage. It is a project to develop the aromatic complexity of the wine. I think that the density has also been increased.’
Emmanuel Cruse, co-owner and Director of Château d’Issan
Refocusing on ‘wine’ as a product
At Twins, Château d’Issan’s market partner, the new blend was welcomed with delight. Firstly, this was the joy of seeing a Bordeaux institution – and a family one, no less – choosing to challenge itself. And secondly, the Twins teams have always enjoyed showcasing wine. No more, no less.
‘All too often, we traders tend to focus on price and scores, and sometimes forget to talk about a wine’s quality. It is true that this new blend has enabled us to focus on quality and talk about the product, which is part of our profession’s very essence.’
Aymar Cruse, Export Manager at Twins
Although Château d’Issan has blended five grape varieties for its 2020 vintage, the estate is giving itself the freedom to select a new avenue each year.
Watch a video of Emmanuel and Aymar Cruse in conversation.
Visit Château d’Issan website.
