A
Trip Down the Bordeaux Wine Region by Caterina Christakos
Bordeaux
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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.
| 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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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!
Bordeaux
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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 |
