{"product_id":"fronsac-chateau-de-la-riviere-1996","title":"Fronsac Château de La Rivière 1996","description":"\u003cp\u003eBordeaux, located by the Atlantic coast, is the world's most famous wine region and has been exporting wine since the Middle Ages. While the left bank is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon on gravel soils, the right bank is the traditional domain of Merlot. Here lies Fronsac, situated west of Libourne between the Isle and Dordogne rivers. The area, which received its AOC status in 1937, features hilly slopes around Tertre de Fronsac with soils composed of limestone, sandstone, and clay. The 1996 vintage from this area is described as classic and structured, achieving a score of 94 points.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChâteau de La Rivière is the physically largest estate in Fronsac, an appellation otherwise dominated by smaller family farms. The property encompasses 100 hectares of land, with the 1996 label noting 53 hectares of vineyards facing south-southeast on a ridge by the Dordogne river, ensuring excellent sun exposure. The château was restored in the 19th century by the renowned architect Viollet-le-Duc, who also worked on Notre Dame in Paris. Beneath the estate are 8 hectares of underground limestone caves that provide a unique climatic infrastructure. In December 2013, the property was sold to the Chinese Bolian group.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eClassified as Appellation Fronsac Contrôlée, this red wine is primarily based on Merlot. Merlot is a classic blue grape that is widely cultivated in typical areas such as Bordeaux, California, Washington, and Northern Italy. The production process for this wine involves barrel aging. Additionally, this specific release was recognized with a gold medal at the Blaye Bourg tasting in France.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château de La Rivière","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57670422266182,"sku":null,"price":120.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/3478\/1950\/files\/generated-1672_4bfbafee-240d-43e4-8bcd-312557c7585e.jpg?v=1792578806","url":"https:\/\/bottleswithhistory.com\/products\/fronsac-chateau-de-la-riviere-1996","provider":"Bottles With History","version":"1.0","type":"link"}