 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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Buying
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