The Ultimate Guide to Bordeaux Wine
Mar 01, 2023 01:30
Bordeaux Wines are often regarded as some of the best and most sought-after wines across the globe. Aptly named after the region of France in which they are produced, they are widely recognized as being among the highest quality and most complex wines that can be found in the market.
The Bordeaux Blend
Bordeaux wines are primarily made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carménère grapes. Typically aged in oak barrels to give them a more complex flavor, Bordeaux wines are usually full-bodied with a strong tannic structure. They are known for their intense aromas and flavors, such as dark fruits, leather, tobacco, and cedar. Their high acidity also makes them very popular, since it gives them a crisp and refreshing finish.
The versatility of Bordeaux wines makes them an ideal choice for any event. Whether you are looking for a fancy present for a special occasion, or just want to enjoy a glass of something different, this unique blend is sure to please.
● Complexity: Bordeaux wines are known for their complexity, with a range of flavors and aromas that make them very enjoyable. From earthy, smoky notes to bright, fruity flavors, Bordeaux wines offer options for everyone.
● Ageability: Bordeaux wines are known for their ability to age gracefully. With proper cellaring, Bordeaux wines can develop and evolve over time, becoming more complex and enjoyable with the passage of time.
● Variety: Bordeaux wines come in a range of styles, from light and fruity to full-bodied and tannic. Whether you prefer a dry, crisp white or a bold, robust red, you can find a Bordeaux wine to suit your tastes.
Pairing Food with a Glass of Bordeaux
Red wines from Bordeaux are usually paired with roast lamb, venison, duck breast, or beef-based dishes. Steak Frites, which are fries made with beef and duck fat, might be the best meal to complement a glass of red Bordeaux. The boldness of the Bordeaux goes well with meat, as it will make the wine taste sweet and fruity in contrast. When pairing food with Bordeaux, you should look for savory dishes that have enough fat to counteract the taste of the wine.
Simply cooked roast and grilled meat is also a good option, as well as hard cheeses, duck, partridge, pheasant, and any dish that includes mushrooms and truffles. Compared to other red wine blends, Bordeaux reds tend to have less tannin and alcohol, so it's a good idea to complement them with chicken. For the best results, serve these blends with savory and sweet dishes. Another great compliment for Red Bourdeaux is barbecued chicken with red onions and cilantro.
Bordeaux wines are some of the most sought-after and enjoyable wines available in the market. If you’re looking for a complex, ageable wine, look no further than this sophisticated blend.
Different Types of Bordeaux
Bordeaux wines are classified into five categories. Wines from the Bourg, Fronsac, and Côtes de Bordeaux hill vineyards; red and white wines from the Entre-Deux-Mers region between the Garonne and the Dordogne; great white wines from the Graves and Sauternes; and red wines from the left bank of the Garonne and the Gironde estuary, including the Médoc and Graves. Up ahead we list different types of Bordeaux:
● Left Bank (Red Wines): Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Listrac, Moulis, Margaux, Pauillac, St-Julien, St-Estèphe, Pessac-Léognan and Graves.
● Right Bank (Red Wines): Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, St-Emilion Satellites, Lalande de Pomerol.
● The Côtes (Red and White Wines): Castillon and Francs, Canon Fronsac and Fronsac, Côtes de Bourg, Blaye.
● Dry and Dessert Whites: Graves and Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes and Barsac.
● Entre-deux-Mers (Red and White Wines): Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur.
What’s So Special About Bordeaux?
Bordeaux wines are renowned for their quality and complexity. The region is home to a diverse range of grapes, producing a wide variety of flavors and styles. The combination of the unique climate, soil, and winemaking techniques used in the region make Bordeaux wines truly unique. From the classic Cabernet Sauvignon to the more modern Merlot, Bordeaux wines are sure to please even the most discerning of palates.
The combination of high-quality grapes, the unique terroir, and the traditional winemaking techniques used in the region make Bordeaux wines stand out from the rest. They have a complexity and depth of flavor that is rarely achieved with modern methods. The result is a wine that is full-bodied, complex, and balanced, with a long finish that lingers on the tongue.
Another of the main reasons Bordeaux is so highly valued internationally is because of its ability to age. Because of their focus on the tannic Cabernet Sauvignon grape, all of Bordeaux's wines are matured in conventional barrels before bottling, giving them a unique flavor. Whether you are looking for a classic or a modern blend, Bordeaux has something to offer everyone.