There are many different types of grapes grown in Bordeaux and used in their famous wines. In the past, there were just six varietals allowed for making red wine in Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carm...
One of the most confusing subjects for American consumers is trying to understand wines from France. The wine labeling system in France is mostly based on region or appellation, not by the type of grape used to produce the wine. So, here are some b...
Last time we started exploring the word “Cru” as it relates to wine. The simple translation of Cru is growth. This is really referring to a special or unique wine growing area. While this area can be a single growing site, it can also be a larger reg...
2016 Écluse Ensemble ($48) This Bordeaux red blend from Écluse in Paso Robles is truly an ensemble of varietals. It’s produced from 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cab Franc, 15% Petit Verdot, 14% Merlot, 14% Malbec and 7% Carignane. A little bit of e...
* Wine Enthusiast Magazine, February 2018 * Last time we looked at the factors that make a wine more capable of bottle aging. And, somewhat surprisingly, there are very few wines that actually hold up well in the bottle, even with proper storage....
* Image - Decanter.com * Red wine blends have become very popular. There are several very popular and inexpensive red blends with catchy names on the grocery store shelves and on menus at restaurants. If you enjoy these red blends, let me introdu...
Last time we explored the Right Bank of Bordeaux with its Merlot-based red blends, primarily from the appellations of Saint Émilion, Pomerol and Fronsac. Next, its over to the Left Bank. Located west of the Gironde and Garonne Rivers, the Left Bank ...
Bordeaux is one of the greatest wine producing regions in the world. It is divided into two distinct regions referred to as the “Right Bank” and “Left Bank” depending on which side of the Dordogne River it is located. Different dominant grapes used ...
Nothing about French wine seems to be straightforward or simple. But once you get to know the various wine regions of France it becomes a bit clearer. In the past couple of postings I’ve touched on the French wine region of Burgundy. I discussed th...