{"id":7197,"date":"2021-06-22T11:30:27","date_gmt":"2021-06-22T03:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www2.ift.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/?p=7197"},"modified":"2021-08-12T12:46:15","modified_gmt":"2021-08-12T04:46:15","slug":"a-guide-to-bordeaux-wines-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/a-guide-to-bordeaux-wines-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"A guide to Bordeaux wines \u2013 Part 1 of 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\u4e2d\u6587\u6458\u8981 \/ Summary in Chinese<\/span>\n

When discussing French wines, whether as a novice or connoisseur, the Bordeaux region is naturally at the forefront, due to its reputation as the home of a \u2018super league\u2019 of fine wine estates, properties that produce some of the most sought-after labels in the world.<\/p>\n

The Bordeaux region is on the Atlantic coast of southwest France, and has a moderate maritime climate with a long, mild winter, followed by a warm growing season for grapes, and usually with optimal quantities of rainfall. As well as a favourable climate, the region also has unique geological conditions, namely rich limestone-based soil, providing an excellent environment for growing vines.<\/p>\n

The Bordeaux region produces some of the most expensive wines in the world. It is also France\u2019s largest wine-growing region, with an output of about 650 million bottles annually.<\/p>\n

The power of the \u2018Bordeaux\u2019 name means some producers are focused more on making quick money than on wine quality. It is no surprise therefore, that many of us might have had some unpleasant experiences with Bordeaux wines that tasted weak and watery \u2013 to the extent that some were almost undrinkable. (Think of a bottle that you perhaps found in a cheap Mid-Autumn Festival fruit basket, or a glass of \u2018Ch\u00e2teau de Unknown\u2019 served at a wedding banquet.)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>As a rule of thumb, when choosing a Bordeaux wine, the more specific is the bottle label regarding geographical subdivision of origin, the better the quality of the wine. So, it is very helpful to learn the basics of the various appellations d\u2019origine controlee (AOC) in Bordeaux, when looking for a good quality yet reasonably priced bottle from the region. This is particularly important when paying for it out of your own pocket.<\/p>\n

At first glance, the Bordeaux wine region might seem to be rather difficult to comprehend. It has 60 appellations, more than any other wine region in France. The best approach is to make use of the \u2018Left Bank\u2019 and \u2018Right Bank\u2019 concepts, as Bordeaux is divided into 2 main parts by 2 rivers, namely the Garonne and the Dordogne.<\/p>\n

Red wines constitute almost 90 percent of Bordeaux production, and are often blends. It is useful therefore to be aware of the 6 permitted grape varieties for red wines in the region: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Carmen\u00e8re, and Petit Verdot. Beginners can focus on the first 2 varieties, as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the most significant in Bordeaux. The others are usually used in supporting roles for blending purposes.<\/p>\n

The Left Bank is known for using Cabernet Sauvignon as the main grape variety, bringing solid structure to the wine, with high levels of tannins and of acidity, and showcasing flavours of black fruits such as blackcurrants and black cherries. The dominant grape on the Right Bank is Merlot, and wines there are generally softer in style than those from the Left Bank, with taste characteristics reminiscent of red fruit \u2013 such as red cherries and red plums \u2013 with medium levels of tannins and of acidity.<\/p>\n

Within the Left Bank, the key appellations are M\u00e9doc, Haut-M\u00e9doc (the renowned Pauillac and Margaux appellations are there) and Graves (the key wine-growing area is Pessac-L\u00e9ognan). The Right Bank is relatively simple in its organisation, with 2 key appellations: Pomerol and Saint \u00c9milion.<\/p>\n

Making use of the AOC scheme<\/strong><\/p>\n

As mentioned earlier, the AOC scheme can be quite useful for a basic understanding of wine quality in the Bordeaux region. If a wine is listed only as a generic Bordeaux AOC, it belongs to the bottom of the AOC hierarchy, which is most likely to involve a fruity style of wine that is at best \u2018easy drinking\u2019 and not intended for cellaring. The retail price in Macao of such wine would usually be in the range of MOP30 to MOP100.<\/p>\n

One level up, is Bordeaux Sup\u00e9rieur AOC. By law the grapes used in the product should come from vineyards with lower yields than is commonly found in generic Bordeaux AOC, and have higher natural levels of sugar at the point of harvest. There should also be a slightly higher minimum alcohol level in the finished product compared to generic AOC, and the wine must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months before being released to the market. Unfortunately, although Bordeaux Sup\u00e9rieur AOC should indicate a better-quality product than generic Bordeaux AOC, this is not often the case. One can expect to pay in Macao MOP80 to MOP150 for a bottle of Bordeaux Sup\u00e9rieur AOC.<\/p>\n

For both Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Sup\u00e9rieur AOC, grapes can be sourced from anywhere within the region. To truly appreciate the sense of place \u2013 or \u2018terroir\u2019, in French terminology \u2013 of a Bordeaux wine, it is a good idea to start with a subregional AOC instead, as each subregion has its unique features.<\/p>\n

To be classified as a specific subregional AOC, the grapes used for the wine must be grown exclusively in that place. Examples include Haut-M\u00e9doc AOC on the Left Bank or Saint-\u00c9milion AOC on the Right Bank. Often you can find good quality products at the subregional AOC level without breaking the bank, with prices ranging from MOP150 to MOP300.<\/p>\n

The next rung on the quality ladder is the commune-level AOC, which is essentially a specific area within a subregion. For example, the Haut-M\u00e9doc AOC on the Left Bank has 6 communal AOCs, including famous ones such as Pauillac and Margaux. Prices start north of MOP500 in general, but can go up to tens of thousands of patacas for the crus class\u00e9s wines of the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. (We will look into this classification system of wines in a future edition of the Wine Education Corner.)<\/p>\n

Although the Bordeaux wine region is now mostly famed by its reds, under a century ago the region was revered in many parts of the world mainly for its luxurious sweet white wines from the subregion of Sauternes, featuring mostly the Semillon grape variety. Sauternes, known for its intense richness, complex flavours, and suitability for cellaring, remains one of the top sweet-wine production areas in the world, and is a must-try for sweet-wine lovers.<\/p>\n

For those who prefer dry white wines, Bordeaux offers products with unique blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon varieties, marked by a refreshing, young style, with elevated aromas of blossoms and citrus. Such wines are often inexpensive and ready to drink. Unfortunately, this type of wine can be difficult to find in the Macao market, due to low demand for such products. The Pessac-L\u00e9ognan AOC, located south of Bordeaux, is famous for producing from the same white grape blends, a long-lived, rich wine, with a creamy style. The wines are matured in oak vats, to add complexity to the product, and tend to be expensive.<\/p>\n

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This month\u2019s recommendation:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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