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Get a brief overview of Bordeaux basics and Frequently Asked Questions with the Great Wines Online!
Nearly all Bordeaux wines, including the greatest, are blends of different grape varieties.
Red Wine Districts and Regions
Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur
Côtes de Bordeaux
Libournais (Pomerol and St-Èmilion)
Médoc
Graves Grape Varieties (eg: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc).
White Wine Districts and Regions
Entre-Deux-Mers and Graves (Dry)
Sauternes and Barsac (Sweet) (eg: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle).
The three different quality levels of Bordeaux wine.
1.Bordeaux - This is the first level of A.O.C. wine in Bordeaux, and usually the least
expensive. These wines are easy drinking, inexpensive, and consistent "drinking" wines.
These are sometimes known as "proprietary" wines-wines known by what you could almost call
a brand name, such as Mouton-Cadet, rather than by the particular region or vineyard.
2.Bordeaux + Region - Regional wines come from a defined area. Only grapes and wines made
in that certain area can be called by its regional name. For example, Médoc and St-Èmilion.
These wines are more distinguished than those labelled simply as Bordeaux.
3.Bordeaux + Region + Château - Château wines are the products of individual vineyards.
There are more than 9,000 châteaux in Bordeaux. Hundreds have been officially recognized
for their quality. In the Médoc, for example, the 61 highest-level châteaux were officially
classified in 1855 and are called Grand Cru Classé. There are more than 240 châteaux in the
Médoc that are entitled to be called Cru Bourgeois, a step below Grand Cru Classé. Other
areas, such as St-Èmilion and Graves, have their own classification systems. Château wines
are usually considered the best quality wines from Bordeaux. They are the most expensive
wines, with some examples of the best known of the Grand Cru Classé commanding the highest
wine prices in the world.
What are the grape varieties that are used to make Bordeaux red and white wines?
There are five red grape varieties used.
The three principal red varieties used are:
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
The other two red grape varieties
occasionally used are: Petit Verdot, and Malbec. There are three white grape varieties used:
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle.
What is the aging potential of Bordeaux wines, particularly the reds?
Many Bordeaux red wines have a reputation for long aging. The average Bordeaux red wine
produced will normally have an aging potential of 5-15 years. And there are certain wines
with the potential to age 20-50 years or more. Also, the sweet Bordeaux white wines have a
good aging potential.
What is the style of Bordeaux red and white wines?
The style of Bordeaux reds that are produced range from medium light and fruity to full
bodied and powerful with a wide array of flavors in-between. Bordeaux produces two styles
of white, dry and sweet. The dry whites are aromatic, fruity and fresh. The sweet whites
are rich, full flavored, round and concentrated.
What foods go with Bordeaux red and white wines?
The range of Bordeaux wines is so large, that they can adapt perfectly to every day eating
habits and to the foods of America, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, India, and Mexico just to
name a few. Starting with the ultra-traditional to the most innovative cuisines, Bordeaux
wines whether good or great, young or old, have something to offer for every taste, every
occasion, and every budget. From little nibbles to full meals to cheese and dessert the
scope for trying Bordeaux dry whites, rosés, reds, and sweet whites is limitless.
Why are Bordeaux wines, specifically reds and sweet whites, the number one collectibles?
Bordeaux wines are great collectibles because of the long aging potential and the ability of
these wines to develop complexity of flavor and bouquet.
What is the proper way to store Bordeaux wines?
Ideally, keep the wine in a cool cellar or in a dark place. Try to avoid a location with
excessive heat and huge temperature changes. During the time spent in the cellar or any other dark
place, the wine should be laid down on its side so that the wine keeps the cork moist.
Are there any values from Bordeaux?
Bordeaux is a very large region producing wines in all price ranges. The vast majority of Bordeaux
wines produced sell for $6 to $12 a bottle.
How does someone find out about visiting Bordeaux and its regions and châteaux?
Contact the Maison du Vin at:
1, cours du XXX Juillet
33075 Bordeaux Cedex France
Tel. 011-33-5 56 00 22 66
Fax. 011-33-5 56 00 22 77
E-mail: accueil@vins-bordeaux
How long do the Bordeaux producers keep the wine in oak barrels?
The Bordeaux producers who use oak generally age the red wines from 9-20 months in oak barrels.
And for dry whites 3-9 months and sweet whites 12-24 months.
What is the difference between a California red made from cabernet sauvignon and/or merlot versus
Bordeaux?
Bordeaux are structurally different in taste and aroma with generous amounts of fruit without being
overly fruity. They are generally lower in alcohol, and are uniquely expressive of the terroir or
the natural elements from where they come.
What makes Sauternes so sweet?
A special condition known as "Noble rot"*. In Sauternes, fall mornings are foggy and humid while
afternoons are sunny and warm. These frequent weather changes encourage the development of the
micro-fungus Botrytis Cinerea, which causes the grapes to shrivel and concentrates their sugars.
*Noble Rot Refers to a mold, Botrytis cinerea, allowed to develop on Sémillon grapes to be used in
making sweet Bordeaux white wines, the most famous and prized of which is Château d'Yquem, a truly
wonderful Sauternes.
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