Clos Manou 2020 – Médoc Bordeaux

Overview

Clos Manou 2020 is a refined and structured red wine from the prestigious Médoc appellation in Bordeaux. Produced from the estate’s 18 hectares of vineyards, this wine showcases the elegance and complexity typical of high-quality Bordeaux reds. The grape varieties, with an average vine age of 40 years, include 57% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, creating perfect harmony between fruit, structure, and ripe tannins. Annual production is around 68,000 bottles, making Clos Manou 2020 a wine of distinction with limited availability.

Wine History

Clos Manou 2020 continues the estate’s tradition of highlighting the Médoc terroirs with elegant, balanced, and age-worthy wines. Vineyard selection and meticulous plot management ensure high-quality grapes. Fermentation takes place in a combination of cement and wood, adhering to the estate’s philosophy of minimal intervention and emphasizing varietal purity. Aging is designed to develop aromatic complexity, palate balance, and long-term aging potential.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyards are managed according to sustainable viticulture principles, with hand-harvested grapes and individual care for each plot. Soil diversity, ranging from gravel and sand to clay-limestone, allows the varieties to express their full structure and complexity. The vineyard focus is to produce healthy, mature, and aromatic grapes capable of reflecting the unique Médoc terroir and ensuring deep, long-lived wines.

Winemaking Approach

Clos Manou 2020 is vinified with a minimal intervention approach, alternating fermentations in cement and wood. Aging is divided into 60% in new barrels for 17 months, 33% in 7 and 13 hl amphorae for 12 months, and 7% in 8 hl amphorae for 6 months. This method allows the wine to develop elegance, structure, and aromatic complexity while preserving freshness and balance. No fining or filtration is applied, and SO₂ addition is minimal, maintaining authenticity and integrity.

Tasting Notes

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

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

• Palate: full-bodied, soft yet structured tannins, perfect balance of fruit and wood, long and persistent finish with elegance and harmony.

Food Pairing

Clos Manou 2020 pairs excellently with grilled red meats, beef braises, game, and flavorful roasts. It also complements aged cheeses and rich dishes. Its structure and elegance make it enjoyable on its own, to fully appreciate its complexity and persistence.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Médoc, Bordeaux, France

• Grape Varieties: 57% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc

• Appellation: Médoc

• Vineyard Area: 18 ha

• Average Vine Age: 40 years

• Vinification: fermentation in cement and wood

• Aging: 60% in new barrels 17 months, 33% in 7–13 hl amphorae 12 months, 7% in 8 hl amphorae 6 months

• Production: 68,000 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.”