Bordeaux Basics
Bordeaux Basics
Region
Nestled along the western coast of France, Bordeaux is lush with 2.3 million acres of vineyards. There are about 40 different wine regions, the four major ones are:
- Pomerol
- Graves and Pessac-Leognan
- St.-Emilion
- Medoc
The Medoc region is also broken down into four important inner appellations: St.-Estephe, Paulliac, St.-Julien and Margaux.
Brush up on your Bordeaux history with a primer on the 1855 Classification
Grapes
Bordeaux is unusual in that its wines are created by blending different grapes. Other regions, such as Chablis or Beaujolais, use 100 percent of one varietal. The red wines of Bordeaux rely primarily on three grapes:
Bordeaux-matching recipes
After finding a Bordeaux tailored to your tastes, you might want to plan a meal to complement it. Suggested dishes vary with the weight and origin of the wine, but the general consensus is that you should pair your Bordeaux with a simple food that is not too rich. Salmon, lamb, roast duck or veal may balance out nicely with an herbed pasta, wild mushrooms, eggplant or nuts. Of course, you can always sit back and simply enjoy a Bordeaux in its full, unadulterated glory.
What kinds of food to match with Bordeaux wines? It depends on what you're drinking: White Bordeaux or Red Bordeaux.
Some suggested dishes from editor at large Harvey Steiman's recipes:
- Pork Chops with Rhubarb, Savory Zucchini, Celery Root Gratin
- Rack of Lamb in a Pecan Crust
- Eggplant and Roasted Lamb "Sandwiches"
- Grilled Steak
- Braised Squab With Crisp Chard Polenta
- Grilled Quail With Exotic-Spice Cabbage
- Papaya, Orange and Pancetta Salad
- Cheeses: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Brie, Gruyere
Wineries
Too busy to check out a château in person? Visit our Winery Profiles online. Find contact information, addresses or just how pretty the region is. Profiles include photographs of the owners and winemakers as well as the wineries themselves.
See Wine Spectator's recent Bordeaux ratings, listed by winery.
To read more about Bordeaux:
- When You Go
Making the most of Bordeaux's amenities: a traveler's guide - Bordeaux "super seconds" go to the head of the class
- Bordeaux at its Best
1995 delivers more than promised, with fabulously harmonious, rich wines at all price levels - Bordeaux
This region has epitomized wine for four centuries - Beware The Hype
Bordeaux 1996 looks good, not great, in our first blind tasting; 1995 is still better for futures buyers - 1995 Gets Better And Better In Bordeaux
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