Bordeaux is one of the well-known wine region, which is also the largest. About 7,500 producers are operating from this region and offering a wide range of Bordeaux products from 1,20,000 hectares of the vineyard here. Each year, close to about 75 million cases of Bordeaux wine is produced from here. Bordeaux remains the most popular vineyard for thousands of years now. It is found that the ancient Romans started cultivation in this region.
What we can see at Bordeaux now has roots back to 1,600 AD. Based on this, Bordeaux is broadly divided into two parts as the Left Bank and the Right Bank. Left is famous for the Cabernet Sauvignon dominant wines and Right is known for the Merlot. You can find the famous 1855 classifications of the Medoc from the Left Bank and much of the promotional value of Bordeaux wines are now gained from this left and right classifications.
More about Left Bank and Right Bank of Bordeaux
Right Bank of Bordeaux houses Cheval Blanc and Petrus. Another major appellation of Bordeaux is Sauternes, from where the Bordeaux wines are from. The major appellations found on the Left Bank are St. Estephe, Pauillac, Margaux, St. Julien, and Pessac Leognan. All the Cru Bourgeois wines are from the Left Bank. The Left Bank wines are popular for the dominated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with a very few exceptions too.
The major differences between Right and Left banks of Bordeaux can be better understood while you learn more about the terroir and the soil. When it comes to winemaking, it is the terroir which leads to big differences in the wines of Bordeaux as available at Sokolin Fine Wines. However, the differences in Bordeaux can not only be seen based on the banks, but there are also many other appellations in Bordeaux region. As of late, about 60 different appellations are uniquely recognizable in Bordeaux.
Red and white Bordeaux
It is a fact to note that Bordeaux is mostly famous for its red wine production. Almost 90% of the Bordeaux region is dedicated to producing red Bordeaux wine. However, Bordeaux also is producing many top white wines too, especially from the Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauvignon Gris, etc. These famous white Bordeaux wines are from the Semillon, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc affected by the noble rot which is known as botrytis.
Tasting Bordeaux wine
Now as you know the Bordeaux wine classifications, it is time to taste it. There is no need to feel intimidated while tasting Bordeaux as it is very simple and enjoyable. Just trust your palate. It is a good choice for anyone who likes wine. Here are a few tips for the wine tasters trying out Bordeaux.
As a rule of thumb, we can see that the most expensive wines are, the more decanting it may need. Decanting lets the wine to soften and release its actual scent. The wine also stays a little warn in the glass. The Red Bordeaux wines are best served decanted with all type with a wide range of meat dishes, beef, pork, veal, duck, lamb, game, and roasted, braised as well as grilled dishes.
Bordeaux is also a right match for Asian dishes as well and goes perfectly with fishes like salmon, tuna, as well as mushrooms, pasta, and cheese. On the other hand, white Bordeaux is ideal with sashimi, shellfish, sushi, and all types of seafood, veal, chicken, and cheese.
