A Trip
Down the Bordeaux Wine Region by Caterina Christakos
Bordeaux
has been, for many years, the 'capital' of French fine wine production.
Especially recognized in the viticulture and oenology of red wines, the
best wines of the region are taken as a reference point all over the
world.
Climate
& Geography
The
Bordeaux wine region offers grape growers optimum conditions, aside from
relatively high humidity levels that make vines more vulnerable to
disease. The limestone foundation in the area not only provides
grapevines with high levels of calcium, but also assists in the drainage
of the vineyard.
The
oceanic climate in the Bordeaux area bears short and mild winters, while
natural irrigation from the Gironde Estuary and it's tributaries,
provides grapevines with sufficient water.
Driving
through Bordeaux wine country - a 60 mile extension that begins just
outside of the city of Bordeaux - you will find that the Gironde Estuary
runs through the heart of the region. Many tourist attractions lie in the
city center, with boutique restaurants where you can enjoy a glass of
fine Bordeaux wine, and stores filled with everything wine related.
As you
reach the outskirts of the city, it's easy to notice the English
influences of the region. Wine merchants and wineries bear names such as
'Palmer' and 'Smith-Haut-Laffite,' a subtle reminder of the region's
history.
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The Bordeaux Region &
It's Appellations
In
the left bank of Bordeaux wine country, which includes the appellations
of Graves, Medoc and Pessac-Leognan, you will find Bordeaux wines made
mainly out of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. In the right bank of the
region, where Libourne, Saint Emillon and Pomerol are located, you will
encounter wine blends that consist primarily of Merlot.
If
you are looking to buy Bordeaux wines for your wine cellar, you must
consider that right bank wines are less tannic than left bank wines.
Depending on how you like your wine, you must search for Bordeaux wines
labeled with the respective bank appellations named above.
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Buy
at AllPosters.com
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Red
Bordeaux & Bordeaux Superieur
Popular
Bordeaux wines are the Red Bordeaux, Blanc Bordeaux and the Bordeaux
Superieur. These wine blends are one of the few that can be produced and
sold by wine merchants in the whole Bordeaux region. Because of low
tannin contents, slight oak flavors and enhanced fruitiness, Red Bordeaux
and Bordeaux Superieur are wines meant to be drank young. This aspect
prevents Red Bordeaux, Bordeaux Superieur and other basic wines from
being labeled as 'Chateaux', a denomination that can only apply to fine,
tannic wines that require ageing.
A
glass of good Bordeaux wine will surprise your palate with unique
complexity and depth of flavor. Since the region's wine production
consists of 88% red wines and 22% whites; once you try a red Bordeaux
wine and taste it's unique faculties, you'll want to get more just to age
it!
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About
the Author: Caterina Christakos is a published writer and wine
aficionado. Want to learn more about French wines? Check out these French
wine tour reviews: http://www.wineclubsworldwide.com/French_Wine_Region.html
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