Bordeaux - WineTubeMap

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Claret Central, a wine with thoroughbred heritage

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Red

Region

Bordeaux is just one station on the map but has many exits into different styles. It is named after a beautiful town in the South West of France, worth a visit for its chateaux and river views.Traditionally Bordeaux wines have a dinner jacket reputation, the kind of wine that needs a decent meal with it. Although the more authentic styles are quite difficult to get your mouth around the more modern versions are fruitier with smooth, structured tannins. Bordeaux has to be a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc but can be pure Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon too. The blend can make the wine smoother or give it more of that chewy dryness that loves to pair up with a meal. The different sub regions can help you know. Merlot is more widely found in St Emilion, and Cabernet Sauvignon in Médoc. Bordeaux is an area where vintage can change the wines significantly so if you’re into it, find a friendly local wine merchant and explore.

Things you should know

Top Tip: Whilst you can't get true Bordeaux outside of the legal region, most areas make a Bordeaux style blend, particularly California, where it is called Meritage. The new world versions tend to be a little bit fruitier.

Specific Food Match: Bordeaux is all about accompanying food, and traditional red meat dishes work well. Nothing too fancy, but a spot of well made gravy always helps! Try it with roast Beef and the trimmings or game stew.