Bordeaux wine has long been known for its extraordinary wines for decades and has been deemed the “King of wines”.
Bordeaux is located in the Southwest portion of France, near
the west coast and the city of Bordeaux. Along the banks of the three
rivers lie the vineyards and chateaux that produce these great wines.
This maritime influence and types of grapes used gives this region its
distinct character.
With this maritime environment brings mild winters,
early springs, but allows for hot summers, and then cool long autumns.
This influence along with the soil, and other aspects of the terrior
give the ability to create great wines.
Bordeaux wine has four different wine styles it produces; light reds for everyday drinking (Crus Bourgeois and Petit Chateaux), fine reds(Chateau, the best growths), which are more complex, and made to lay down, dry whites that are dry, with mineral notes, and sweet wines showing apricot and pear. The principle grape varieties for reds in Bordeaux are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbac; whites include Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle. The flavor profiles of reds are full of currants, blackberries, cherries, violets, and firm tannins, while whites are dry, citrus and mineral notes.
The Bordeaux wine regions has been known as the right bank, which
makes predominantly Merlot based wines. Including the famous wines of
St. Emilion, and Pomerol, such as Chateau Ausone, and Chateau Cheval
Blanc. The Left bank is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet
Franc, and Merlot, and it names of the chateau are known worldwide, such
as Chateau Margaux, and Chateau Lafite-Rothchild, among the most
expensive as well.
There are four important variables that define red wines from
Bordeaux wine. The most important is the vintage, next is the class or
quality of the wine, next its age, and then the region. A very good
vintage can improve all the qualities of the wine, making it slow to
mature, and giving a longer life span. While these wines are best
reserved for a special occasion, they show well with strong flavored
dishes like roasts, lamb. Mature wines will lend to all kinds of fowl,
and white meat. Dry whites that are made from predominantly Semillon
and Sauvignon Blanc will go with any fish, oysters, sausages, pate or
terrines. Sweet Sauternes are mostly served along with Foie gras as a
first course or a simple fruit tart for dessert.
Riesling makes long lived wine with great fruit, and a touch of
mineral characteristics. This wine in great years are long lived and
off years can be unceremonious.
Sylvaner is a great everyday drinking wine with pleasing fresh fruity
characteristics.