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April Virtual Tasting

Bordeaux Wines

April 13, 2022 5:00 pm (MDT) / 7:00 pm (EDT)

Bordeaux is among the world’s most famous wine regions, renowned for long-lived, high quality, expensive red wines.  But it produces a greater volume and a larger variety than might be expected including dry white wines, rosés, and sparkling wines in a range of price and quality levels.

Bordeaux produces a whopping 61 million cases of wine annually, enough to make it 12th in the world if it were a separate country. – 1/4th of all wine produced in France. Almost all of the wine qualifies for the highest AOC quality status.

The wine region of Bordeaux surrounds the city of Bordeaux in southwestern France. Near the city two rivers, the Garonne and the Dordogne meet to form the Gironde, an estuary flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.  The waterways divide the area into three sections – the Left Bank, the Right Bank and Entre-Deux-Mers.

 

Purchase the Wine

I have selected wines at Total Wines and More from 3 famous ‘sub regions’ of Bordeaux – Medoc, St. Emilion, and Entre-deux-Mers. It is difficult to find the same producers at different wine stores, so do not worry if you do not find them.  It is more important to get wines from the specific growing areas – Medoc, St. Emilion and Entre-deux-Mer.  Also, my wines are priced moderately (for Bordeaux) so look for wines from these 3 areas that are priced between $20 – $30/bottle.

If you are having any trouble getting wines from these regions, please contact me for further suggestions.

White Bordeaux

Chateau Guibon Blanc ($21.00)

This beautiful Chateau is run by the legendary Andre Lurton, with the same care and skill as his other more expensive properties. A fresh wine, offering bright citrus and apple fruit notes along with a crisp dry finish.

St Emilion

Chateau Bel-Air Lussac St. Emilion 2018 ($24.99)

” Aromas of blueberries, black olives and light walnuts follow through to a medium body with fine, polished tannins and a light coffee and blackberry aftertaste. 70% merlot, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc. Only one third aged in oak…”

Medoc

Monfort Bellevue Medoc ($18.00)

Medoc, Bordeaux, France- With aromas of cedar, spice, and black fruit, this elegant Cabernet-based red boasts ripe blackberry and soft creamy cassis laden fruit framed in ripe tannins. This beauty is well balanced and elegant with a hint of toast on the smooth, lengthy finish.

Try Some Food with your Wines!

Have fun with a variety of foods.  You can start with some of the following suggestions:

With White Wines

  • Grilled or BBQ Fish
  • Lobster
  • Mussels
  • Salmon with hollandaise
  • Shrimp
  • Crab
  • Grilled Vegetables
  • Goat Cheeses

With Red Wines:

  • Beef – braised, grilled, roasted – Filet or Prime Rib
  • Strong Cheeses such as Blue, Brie, Camembert, Gouda
  • Fried Chicken
  • Foie Gras, Country Liver Paté
  • Game meats

Preparation for the Event

  • Tasting Glasses – you will need 3 identical clear wine glasses with stems.
  • Environment
    • A computer equipped with a camera and speakers (and/or a headset)
    • A pencil or pen to complete your tasting form
    • A white background for evaluation. This can be a napkin or a blank piece of paper
    • A glass of water
    • A spit bucket, wine opener (or Coravin if you have one)
  • Print out the tasting form and the tasting reference.

Wine Enthusiast Members (included)