Of course, one of the key reasons why Bordeaux is so prized around the world is due to its aging potential. All of the red wines of Bordeaux will be aged in traditional barrels before bottling, but thanks to the emphasis on the tannic Cabernet Sauvignon grape, they are perfect for aging in the bottle.

What is special about Bordeaux wine?

Bordeaux wines are world-renowned blends made with a predominant proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Vintage variance is particularly important in Bordeaux. Cellar-worthy vintages can surge in value over generations.

Is Bordeaux the best wine?

By far the largest, the most important, and one of the best French wine regions, both for high-end wines and for bargains, is Bordeaux. Great reds from the renowned chateaus are what make the headlines, but Bordeaux is so big, that there is plenty of choice.

What makes Bordeaux unique?

Bordeaux is the largest wine region in France covering 11,7500 hectares with 60 appellations producing a range of styles with a predominance of red wines. Although it has 10,000 different châteaux, it is the 250 or so top wines, the Grand Crus that are renowned throughout the world and fetch high prices.

What makes a wine a Bordeaux?

The term “Bordeaux style” is typically used to refer to a wine, not directly to grapes, but it implies something about the grapes used to make the wine. In the actual Bordeaux region of France, red wines are blended from the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot grapes.

Top 12 Bordeaux Chateaux 👌🍷 Wine Names & Wineries You Need to Know...

21 related questions found

Is Bordeaux dry or sweet?

Taste and Flavor Profile

The red Bordeaux blend is a dry, medium to full-bodied wine high in tannins with medium acidity. Because a Bordeaux blend can be made with several different red wine grapes from different regions in differing proportions, the color, amount of acidity, texture, and exact flavors can vary.

When should you drink Bordeaux?

Young white Bordeaux should be consumed within a few years and less expensive red Bordeaux is meant to be consumed within 5 years. Don't hold onto it unless it's of high quality, or you'll lose the enjoyment it can offer you now. Not all great wine has to age!

Are Bordeaux Good?

But Bordeaux continues to offer fantastic value for money, particularly in the $50 to $100 price bracket. Unlike other prestigious regions, such as Burgundy and Barolo, which offer undeniable quality but on relatively small scales, Bordeaux produces quality bottles in high quantities.

What does Bordeaux taste like?

When young, the taste of Bordeaux wine from The Right Bank delivers licorice, chocolate, black cherry, plum, blackberry, spice, vanilla, smoke, floral, blueberry and jam flavors, characteristics and sensations. Merlot dominated wines are lower in acidity than Cabernet Sauvignon.

Is Bordeaux similar to Merlot?

Bordeaux refers to a wine from Bordeaux, France. Over 86% of Bordeaux wines are red wines made with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Both grapes are originated from Bordeaux.

Is Cabernet Sauvignon the same as Bordeaux?

A Bordeaux can be a Cabernet Sauvignon but a Cabernet is often not a Bordeaux. Welcome to the complex world of wine names. ... Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape, and one of the most famous in the world. Bordeaux is a region in France that is known for its Cabernet production, among other things.

What is the difference between Bordeaux and Burgundy?

Burgundy tends to be a bit more well-rounded, producing both reds and whites in equal quality, while Bordeaux is famous for the reds, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. ... Burgundy produces plenty of both red and white but the most popular of each are the Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay.

What do you drink Bordeaux with?

Bordeaux wines from the Left Bank matches excellently with spicier, saltier, fattier, and heavy steaks and lambs. On the other hand, Right Bank Bordeaux red wines pair best with more savory or leaner meats, such as duck or pork.

Are Bordeaux wines sweet?

We tend to think of the sweet wines of Bordeaux as dessert wines and as a “classic” pairing for foie gras. However, many of these wines are only lightly sweet and even the richer bottles are well-balanced by acidity. They are good as aperitifs or paired with savory courses throughout a meal.

Should Bordeaux wine be chilled?

Red wine should be in the range of 55°F–65°F. ... Fuller-bodied, tannic wines like Bordeaux and Napa Cabernet Sauvignon taste better warmer, so keep them to 45 minutes in the fridge. Red wine that's too cold tastes dull, but when too warm, it's flabby and alcoholic. Like Goldilocks, somewhere in between is just right.

How do you drink Bordeaux wine?

Serving Glass for Red Bordeaux Wines

Known for complex bouquets with many aromas, red Bordeaux, however, is best served in a glass with a large open bowl at bottom that tapers slightly at the top. This maximizes the presentation of aromas to the nose.

Is Bordeaux wine high in tannins?

Young Left Bank Bordeaux

In it's youth, Bordeaux's tannins are so strong, the chalkiness in your mouth is unmistakable. ... As Bordeaux ages, the tannins smooth out, which is why the wine can fetch some of the world's highest prices when very old.

What is a good inexpensive Bordeaux wine?

Jane Anson's top 10 'affordable' Bordeaux wines

• Château Bauduc, Bordeaux Blanc. ...
• Château du Cros, Bordeaux Blanc. ...
• Clos Floridène, Bordeaux Blanc. ...
• Château Poitevin, Médoc. ...
• Château Les Trois Croix, Fronsac. ...
• Château le Puy Cuvée Emilien Francs Côtes de Bordeaux. ...
• Château Roquetaillade La Grange, Graves.

Should you let Bordeaux breathe?

Young red wines, especially those that are high in tannin, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, most Red Zinfandel, Bordeaux and many wines from the Rhône Valley, actually taste better with aeration because their tannins soften and the wine becomes less harsh. ...

Should you aerate Bordeaux?

Try aerating your white wine for no more than 30 minutes. White wines that benefit from aeration include White Bordeaux, white Burgundies, Alsatian wines, and Chardonnay. Light-bodied whites like Chablis or Riesling can also benefit greatly from aeration, and sweet wines such as Sauternes benefit as well.

Does Bordeaux get better with age?

Bordeaux wine is one of the best aging wines displaying a slow, gentle rise in maturity and complexity, followed by a period of peak drinkability. High-quality Bordeaux should be aged for at least 10 years but normally reach their peak in the 15-20 year range.

Is Bordeaux safe at night?

Bordeaux is a fairly safe city, but you should employ common sense. Avoid wandering alone at night in the Gare St-Jean, Marché des Capucins and place de la Victoire areas. None of these areas are dangerous, but they can attract shady characters and feel unsavoury after dark.

What wine is closest to Chianti?

Merlot and Shiraz are the best alternative wines similar to Chianti. Chianti is a region in Tuscany, and by the wine “rules,” a bottle must contain at least 85% Sangiovese to be called a Chianti. Merlot and Shiraz usually are made with grapes that have similar qualities to Sangiovese.