Bordeaux is not only one of the most prominent French wine regions, but it’s also the inspiration for basically every other wine style in the world. Here’s why you should be drinking more Bordeaux, the most exciting and collective wine globally.
Bordeaux - The Basics
Before we get started, here are the three things you need to know about Bordeaux:
1. Bordeaux has a blessed terroir. The French wine region along the Gironde estuary, not far from the Atlantic Ocean has a moody weather, so expect to pay a premium for wines from sunny vintages.
Still, the area’s gravel, clay and limestone soils are ideal for growing premium red and white grapes. Bordeaux enjoys not one terroir, but many. The wines from the Right bank are different from what you’d find on the Left Bank — wines are different from one commune to the other, and that makes exploring the region with your taste buds an authentic adventure.
2. In Bordeaux, blending grapes is the norm. Typical red grapes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. White wines are made mainly with Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Bordeaux makes lovely sweet wines as well! Try the dessert wine Chateaux Lafaurie-Peyraguey to give a sweet ending to any meal.
Blending grapes is not only a great way to create drinkable masterpieces that withstand the test of time, but winemakers in Bordeaux also have a long vinous history and long-lasting traditions, and the estates have passed from one generation to the next for centuries. The region has the longest modern history for top-level wines.
3. Not all Bordeaux is expensive. In fact, ninety percent of the region’s wine is sold for between 10-25 dollars. Of course, Bordeaux is also home to some of the most lavish wines on the planet. The wine region is a great source for everyday and high-end wines. The finest wines are collectible pieces, coveted by wine lovers and investors alike.
Why Drink Bordeaux?
Bordeaux is versatile at the table. Red Bordeaux is fantastic with red meat, game, lamb and all types of grilled food. White Bordeaux is simply outstanding with white meat, fish and seafood.
Bordeaux produces benchmark wines. Getting familiar with Bordeaux wines allows you to compare them to wines from other countries and regions. After all, this is the ancestral home of some of the most popular grapes worldwide, including Cabernet and Merlot.
Bordeaux wines are great for stocking your cellar. Whether you’re looking to lay down a few bottles for when having guests over for dinner or are looking to build a serious collection, Bordeaux has you covered.
What are your favorite Bordeaux wines? We’d love to know! If you don’t know where to start, explore Westchester Wine Warehouse’s curated selection. From legendary wines to very well-priced examples, there’s a bottle of Bordeaux for every palate, budget and occasion.
Bordeaux Wine to Try
Chateau Auney L'hermitage Blanc Cana 2018
This 5% Semillon, 20% Muscadelle, and 15% Sauvignon Blanc blend offers tropical fruit aromas over a medium-bodied palate that lingers long into a fruit-scented aftertaste. A mineral palate blessed with mouth-watering acidity makes this golden-white Bordeaux from Graves the perfect partner for oily fish, including salmon, mackerel and tuna.
Chateau Bellefont Belcier - Saint Emilion Grand Cru Marquis de Bellefont 2016
This robust red from the Right Bank brims with black currants and plums with hints of leather and tobacco leaves in the background. The palate is structured and full-bodied, with balanced acidity and polished tannins. This beauty is ready to be enjoyed, but it will evolve for at least five more years. Enjoy with duck confit or marbled steaks.
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