An Introduction to Bordeaux
Saturday, October 29th
1:00 - 3:00
The wines of Bordeaux have been so long revered and renowned that the name Bordeaux, similar to Champagne or Chablis, is now used to describe a style of wine as well as a wine region. Oh, but what a region it is! Arguably the world's most famous wine region, and certainly one of its most prolific, the majesty of Bordeaux wines comes down to four main components: diversity, quality, quantity, and the art of the blend. It is home to some 10,000 producers, making everything from affordable everyday quaffers to the legendary First Growths that demand some of wine's highest prices. Much of the diversity comes from the climate, well moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic and the presence of various rivers (the Dordogne, the Garonne and the Gironde Estuary into which they flow). Merlot is the dominant red wine grape in the vineyards of Bordeaux, followed closely by Cabernet Sauvignon and then Cabernet Franc. Petit Verdot, Malbec and even Carmenere are also permitted. When used in combination, these varieties are variously referred to as a "Bordeaux Blend". The best wines come from the appellations around the area where the Gironde Estuary splits the land: Left Bank wines tend to be dominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, and include such appellations as Margaux, Graves, Pauillac, and more; Right Bank wines tend to be based on Merlot, and include the appellations of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion among others. Bordeaux's white wines are generally blends of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. While a bit more rare, there are also some lovely Rosé produced in Bordeuax, where their classic red grapes add some tannin and grip to a classic dry French pink style. We’ll get a chance to sample one of each style this Saturday, and two different reds. Bordeaux reds are some of the wine world’s most age worthy bottles, and we’ll even get a chance to taste a beautiful Saint-Émilion with over 10 years of age to it. Please join us for an excellent introduction to this important region.
Château Martinon Blanc
Entre-Deux-Mers, France, 2021
Clarendelle Rosé
Bordeaux, France, 2021
Lacroix Rouge
Bordeaux Supérieur, France, 2018
Chateau Grand-Pontet Grand Cru Classé
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, France, 2010
1:00 - 3:00
The wines of Bordeaux have been so long revered and renowned that the name Bordeaux, similar to Champagne or Chablis, is now used to describe a style of wine as well as a wine region. Oh, but what a region it is! Arguably the world's most famous wine region, and certainly one of its most prolific, the majesty of Bordeaux wines comes down to four main components: diversity, quality, quantity, and the art of the blend. It is home to some 10,000 producers, making everything from affordable everyday quaffers to the legendary First Growths that demand some of wine's highest prices. Much of the diversity comes from the climate, well moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic and the presence of various rivers (the Dordogne, the Garonne and the Gironde Estuary into which they flow). Merlot is the dominant red wine grape in the vineyards of Bordeaux, followed closely by Cabernet Sauvignon and then Cabernet Franc. Petit Verdot, Malbec and even Carmenere are also permitted. When used in combination, these varieties are variously referred to as a "Bordeaux Blend". The best wines come from the appellations around the area where the Gironde Estuary splits the land: Left Bank wines tend to be dominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, and include such appellations as Margaux, Graves, Pauillac, and more; Right Bank wines tend to be based on Merlot, and include the appellations of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion among others. Bordeaux's white wines are generally blends of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. While a bit more rare, there are also some lovely Rosé produced in Bordeuax, where their classic red grapes add some tannin and grip to a classic dry French pink style. We’ll get a chance to sample one of each style this Saturday, and two different reds. Bordeaux reds are some of the wine world’s most age worthy bottles, and we’ll even get a chance to taste a beautiful Saint-Émilion with over 10 years of age to it. Please join us for an excellent introduction to this important region.
Château Martinon Blanc
Entre-Deux-Mers, France, 2021
Clarendelle Rosé
Bordeaux, France, 2021
Lacroix Rouge
Bordeaux Supérieur, France, 2018
Chateau Grand-Pontet Grand Cru Classé
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, France, 2010