Clos Manou 2018 – Médoc Bordeaux

Overview

Clos Manou 2018 is a complex and refined red wine from the prestigious Médoc appellation in Bordeaux. Produced from the estate’s 18 hectares of vineyards, it expresses elegance, structure, and long aging potential. The grape varieties, with an average vine age of 40 years, include 58% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, creating perfect harmony between fruit, structure, and ripe tannins. Annual production is around 76,000 bottles, making Clos Manou 2018 a prestigious wine representing the unique Médoc terroir.

Wine History

Clos Manou 2018 continues the estate’s tradition of producing elegant, balanced, and age-worthy wines. Vineyard selection and careful plot management ensure high-quality grapes. Vinification takes place in cement and wood, following the estate’s philosophy of minimal intervention to enhance varietal purity. Aging is designed to develop aromatic complexity, palate balance, and long-term aging potential.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyards are managed following sustainable viticulture principles, with hand-harvested grapes and individual care for each plot. The diversity of soils allows the varieties to fully express their structure and aromatic complexity. The goal is to produce healthy, mature, and flavor-rich grapes that reflect the unique Médoc terroir, ensuring deep, age-worthy, and elegant wines.

Winemaking Approach

Clos Manou 2018 is vinified with a minimal intervention approach, alternating fermentations in cement and wood. Aging is divided into 70% in new barrels for 17 months, 25% in 7 hl egg-shaped amphorae for 12 months, and 5% in 8 hl amphorae for 6 months. This method allows the wine to develop elegance, complexity, and structure while preserving freshness and balance. No fining or filtration is applied, maintaining authenticity and integrity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: intense ruby red, deep and bright with violet reflections.

• Nose: aromas of ripe black fruits, plum, and cherry, with delicate spice, tobacco, and mineral hints.

• Palate: full-bodied and enveloping, soft yet structured tannins, perfect balance between fruit and wood, long, persistent, and elegant finish.

Food Pairing

Clos Manou 2018 pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, beef braises, game, and flavorful roasts. It also pairs well with aged cheeses and rich dishes. Its structure and elegance make it ideal for tasting on its own.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Médoc, Bordeaux, France

• Grape Varieties: 58% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

• Appellation: Médoc

• Vineyard Area: 18 ha

• Average Vine Age: 40 years

• Vinification: fermentation in cement and wood

• Aging: 70% in new barrels 17 months, 25% in 7 hl amphorae 12 months, 5% in 8 hl amphorae 6 months

• Production: 76,000 bottles

• Alcohol: 14% vol.

• Serving Temperature: 16–18°C

Clos Manou Winery – Bordeaux, Médoc

Winery History

Clos Manou was born from the dream of Françoise and Stéphane Dief, who in 1998 bottled their first 600 bottles in a makeshift garage cellar. Over the years, production has steadily grown, now averaging 120,000 bottles annually across 18 hectares of vineyards. Of these, 7 hectares are classified as Cru Bourgeois and 4 hectares as Cru Artisan, with the winery producing primarily Clos Manou and Petit Manou. This evolution highlights the founders’ passion and dedication, turning a small dream into a recognized reference in the Médoc appellation.

Vineyard Philosophy

The philosophy at Clos Manou is based on sustainable viticulture, with no herbicides or insecticides, and entirely hand-harvested grapes. The vines, averaging 40 years old, are managed individually, respecting the unique characteristics of each plot. The estate cultivates 4 main varieties: 53% Merlot (including a historic 1850 plot that survived phylloxera), 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot from massal selection. The soils vary from gravelly and sandy to clay-limestone, allowing the wines to express complexity, structure, and terroir typicity.

Winemaking Approach

In the cellar, Clos Manou combines traditional and modern techniques to highlight fruit and terroir minerality. Grapes are carefully sorted, fermented at low temperatures, and undergo a 20-day maceration. Aging is divided between cement and terracotta amphorae and oak barrels, using innovative systems like OXOline for wine movement without opening barrels, ensuring quality and consistency. Since 2004, all bottles are sealed with Ardeaseal corks, guaranteeing integrity and longevity. This approach produces elegant, balanced, and profound wines that faithfully reflect the vineyard and varietals.

Mission and Philosophy

Clos Manou’s mission focuses on excellence and constant quality, both in the vineyard and the cellar. The daily goal is to produce high-level wines while balancing viticultural responsibilities with technical innovation. The philosophy combines traditional methods with modern technology, always prioritizing terroir expression and vineyard care. As the founders state: “Producing the best motivates us every day: aiming for quality in everything we do, in the vineyard and in the cellar; constantly finding the right balance between our responsibilities as winemakers; drawing from traditional and modern methods.”