François Thienpont, Château Charmes Godard, Côtes de Franc, Bordeaux, France, 2016

Producer Profile

François Thienpont represents one of Bordeaux’s most respected wine families, with deep roots in the Right Bank and a passion for authentic, terroir-driven wines.

Guided by strong family values, the estate focuses on producing approachable yet characterful wines that express the identity of their origin with honesty and precision. Vineyards are managed with a strong respect for terroir, aiming to preserve the distinct character of each site. Careful vineyard work promotes healthy fruit, balanced ripeness and the pure expression of Bordeaux’s diverse soils and appellations. Winemaking is centred on authenticity and balance, allowing fruit and terroir to take centre stage. Traditional Bordeaux expertise is combined with a thoughtful, measured approach to create wines that are expressive, elegant and true to their origins.

Viticulture

Château Les Charmes-Godard is a 4.5-hectare estate in the Francs - Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, acquired by the Thienpont brothers in 1988. The vineyard has an average vine age of around 35 years and is planted predominantly on clay-limestone soils. The red wine is produced from a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, a combination that delivers both richness and freshness.

Winemaking

The estate is managed under the direction of Nicolas Thienpont. For the red wine, grapes are vinified and then matured in oak barrels for between 12 and 16 months, allowing the wine to develop greater complexity, structure and harmony while preserving the purity of the fruit.

Tasting Note

A refined and expressive Bordeaux showing ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry aromas layered with subtle spice, cedar and floral notes. The palate is supple and polished, with vibrant freshness, fine tannins and a mineral streak from the clay-limestone terroir. The finish is elegant, persistent and beautifully balanced.

Food matching

The wine pairs beautifully with roast lamb, grilled rib-eye steak, duck breast and slow-cooked beef dishes. Its combination of ripe fruit, fine tannins and freshness also makes it an excellent partner for game dishes, wild mushroom recipes and mature hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Cheddar.