Merlot AOP Bordeaux Bio 2021

Vineyards

Produced from 100% Merlot grown on Arnauld Daudier de Cassini’s micro-estate in Bordeaux, encompassing just two hectares in Saint-Émilion and an additional four hectares nearby in the Bordeaux AOP. Founded by Arnaud after studies in Avignon and experience at Château Figeac, the estate is managed with a minimal-intervention approach. The organically certified vineyards are characterised by intentionally high grass cover and are manually harvested in a single day. This sustainable approach promotes natural biodiversity and enhances the wine’s expressive, fruit-driven profile.

Winemaking

Arnauld eschews traditional oak, favouring concrete vats for both fermentation and the 22-month élevage period, allowing for purity and finesse without added tannins or flavours. Natural yeasts initiate fermentation, followed by gentle extraction techniques over three weeks. Bottling is done by gravity without fining or filtration, with only minimal SO₂ added at harvest and just before bottling. This careful process preserves the wine’s authentic character and vibrant freshness.

Appearance

Deep garnet with brilliant clarity, indicative of its unfiltered, natural style.

Nose

Expressive aromas of black cherry, plum, and subtle earthy undertones, lifted by hints of fresh herbs and mineral accents.

Palate

Elegant yet structured, with smooth tannins and flavours of dark fruits balanced by natural acidity. The finish is long, with a distinctive minerality that speaks to the Bordeaux terroir.

Food pairing

This versatile Merlot pairs beautifully with roasted meats, aged cheeses, and hearty vegetarian dishes, making it an ideal choice for a variety of meals.

Background

Cassini’s natural winemaking philosophy is inspired by Arnauld’s Loire Valley friends, like Catherine and Pierre Breton and the late Didier Dagueneau. His methods reflect a “rebel” approach to Bordeaux winemaking, focused on purity and terroir rather than artifice. The label’s curved design honours Arnaud’s ancestor, Jean-Dominique Cassini, an esteemed mathematician and cartographer. The result is a Bordeaux that breaks convention, offering vibrant, balanced wines with a fresh perspective on one of the world’s most traditional wine regions - as authentic as it is expressive.