Bordeaux deals
great French wine at great prices
Bordeaux is often synonymous with ascot-wrapped wealth and an appellation structure of mind-boggling complexity (an appellation is the legally defined, specific geographic location, with in a wine region, where grapes are grown). Despite these perceptions often being true, a lot of Bordeaux wine is extremely affordable, interesting to drink and comes from easy-to-understand appellations. These wines smilingly offer up pleasurable treasures for intriguing everyday drinking. We’ll take you on a sample wine tour of Bordeaux on a budget, exploring the wealth of these wonderful wines which offer such great value.
Médoc
The appellations of Listrac and Moulis in the sub-region of Médoc can represent tremendous values. Producing mostly red wines that are primarily cabernet sauvignon with cab franc, merlot and petit verdot added in varying quantities, these are fairly tannic wines but when well made, are rich with ripe, dark berry fruit. Château Maucaillou’s 2009 Moulis is an excellent representation of the appellation at 16€ a bottle ($21.99). The Chateau also has a small bed and breakfast with five guest rooms as well as a wine and vines museum. For visiting Listrac, which sits next to Moulis, consider Château Fourcas-Hosten whose 2008 Listrac-Médoc is an excellent value about 12€ per bottle.
Entre-Deux-Mers
Literally meaning “between two seas”, Entre-Deux-Mers actually lies between the Garonne and the Dordogne tributaries. Entre-Deux-Mers is known for its dry white wine, composed of sauvginon blanc and sémillon (and occasionally muscadelle). The wines are lively with aromas of lemon zest and vanilla, backed by excellent acidity (which makes them great for fish and other light foods). Château Turcaud in the town of La Sauve-Majeure, makes an excellent example. Their 2010 vintage is terrific and sales at the winery for just 6.30€ per bottle, including tax. After visiting Turcaud, consider driving east five miles up the road to the village of Saint Léon, to visit Château de Castelneau for their Entre-Deux-Mers,which is currently retailing for around 7€ a bottle ($9.99). They also have a small bed and breakfast, which you can stay at in case you decided to spend the evening sampling all of their wines.
Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac
The wineries of the Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac (the latter lies within Fronsac but at a steeper and higher terrain, resulting in wines with a touch more boldness to them) produce red wine of tremendous, almost rustic strength.The main grape here is merlot, with cab franc and cabernet sauvignon blended in. For both Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac, visit Château Barrabaque, an easy, ten minute drive from the center of the nearby city of Libourne. Their 2010 Cuvée Prestige currently retails for about 12€ a bottle. On the way back in to town, hit Château Dalem, which makes long admired wine from Fronsac, coming in at 13€ a bottle ($20). Its winemaker, Brigitte Rullier-Loussert, is one of a growing number of female, French vignerons (winemakers) in France.
The Côtes
If you’re up for an entire day of wine tasting, once you finish with Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac, come back through Libourne and then head west to the Côtes. This is one of the oldest wine growing regions in the western world, with vine plantings going back to the Romans. The wines made here are almost entirely red, made primarily from merlot. Though they are usually best enjoyed young, many producers have been working to make wines that will age gracefully over many years. In the Côtes de Francs appellation,Château Puygeraud produces beautiful red wines (around 10€ for the 2010 vintages), blending in malbec for some added spice. Drive back to Libourne for lunch and then head northeast to the little town of Saint Paul and visit Château Les Jonqueyres and taste their line of organic wines (10€ or less for the 2010 vintages).
Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur
Several of the wineries mentioned above also produce wine simply labeled Bordeaux or Bordeaux Supérieur. These are the most basic appellations in Bordeaux, with basic requirements for using the appellation name. However, many gifted wine makers craft good wines from these appellations, especially from Bordeaux Supérieur. Notable favorites include, Château Recougne’s 2009 Bordeaux Blanc composed of 100 percent sauvignon blanc for a juicy 9€ a bottle ($14) There is is also Château Féret-Lambert’s 2009 cabernet sauvignon and merlot blend for 8.99€ ($11.99). The latter also offers two beautifully appointed bedroom suites in the Château (situated in the town of Grezillac), for visitors interested in an extended stay.