A Picnic Under the Magnolias

Château de Cérons is an exceptional setting with pristine courtyards and a view of the towering 12th-century Romanesque church. The air is filled with the fragrance of magnolia trees and a giant Sequoia, which were brought back to the château by residing nobility who went on grand tours to bring home things like exotic trees to provide shade during the hot Bordeaux summers.

If given the chance to visit Bordeaux and Château de Cérons, request a Picnic Under the Magnolias for a memorable experience featuring local products such as charcuterie from the Landes, artisanal cheeses, seasonal veggies, fresh fruit from the orchard, and of course, wine.

The wine-making facilities are fairly unique for Bordeaux, using gravity-flow, which are environmentally friendly and believed to be a wine-making technique that preserves better aromas and flavors. The grapes arrive on the top and go directly into the machines, where gravity does the rest without the need for pumps or mechanical force like in single-level wineries.

Owners Caroline and Xavier Parromat welcomed us into their home with a private tour of the gardens, vineyards, winemaking facilities, château, and finally, the barrel room, which is the oldest part of the château and it remains in the original condition.

Château de Cérons Graves Blanc 2016
50% Sémillon 45% Sauvignon Blanc 5% Sauvignon Gris
$49.99 per bottle.

Polished and complex. Mature citrus fruits, ginger, clove and sweet fennel. It is both soft and crisp, finishing with a touch of crystallized pineapple.

Pair with halibut covered in beurre blanc or pesto Alfredo.

Château de Cérons Graves Rouge 2016
55% Cabernet Sauvignon 45% Merlot
$49.99 per bottle.

Served in seven Michelin Star restaurants. Delightfully smooth with soft, structured tannins. Luscious blueberry, raspberry, currant with subtleties of mineral and white chocolate. A very light toast underlines in the background.

Pair with duck leg confit, fig, and winter squash.

Château de Cérons Dessert 2016
90% Sémillon 5% Sauvignon Blanc 5% Muscadelle
$38.99 per 375ml bottle

Harvesting in several passes when the noble rot has reached optimal maturity. This dessert wine gives a nice mix of citrus peel, spring flowers and zesty lemon sorbet on the nose. A delightful concentration of honey and ripe, yellow fruits on the palate. Freshness and acidity lift the finish for a beautifully vibrant expression.

Pair with pear tart, zesty lemon meringue, or Roquefort drizzled with honey.