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Bordeaux Wine
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Buying Guide: Generic Bordeaux
Legally, generic Bordeaux wines may contain grapes from all over the region. The wine may also be produced anywhere, although the region of Entre-Deux-Mers makes up 75% of total production. All in all generics account for 50% of the region's output. Two thirds of this generic Bordeaux is red, with white, rose, claret, and sparkling make up the rest.
Due to the great size of the region, the generic designation encompasses everything from high style boutique wines to mass produced cheap table wines. Needless to say, quality in the wines can vary greatly, but at its best, generic red Bordeaux has a piquant fruitiness, and the white is crisp, dry, and refreshing. From a trusted producer these wines can provide one of the best bang for your buck values in the region. And a s such, they can be an excellent introduction to the wines of Bordeaux.
Somewhere in the middle range of quality lies the large proportion of generic Bordeaux that is used to produce negociant brand name wines. The wines and sometimes grapes for these mass-produced wines are sourced across the whole of Bordeaux, from individual producers, growers, and cooperatives, and blended to order at the negociants' cellars. The undisputed leader in this field, with yearly sales of 15 million bottles, is Baron Philippe de Rothschild's Mouton Cadet. William Pitter's Malesan and Castel's Baron de Lestac are next in line. The big negociants tend to produce fairly average wine at fairly average prices, but the brand loyalty they command results in success. Produced in more limited volume but of qualitative interest are Yvon Mau's Premius and Exigence, Sichel's Sirius, Bordeaux Vins Selection's Epicure, and Dourthe Nurnero.
recommended Generic Bordeaux...
 Michel Lynch Red Bordeaux $15
Grapes: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting notes: Elegant garnet in color and smelling of ripe red cherry, plum and blackberry. It is full flavored, and smooth in the mouth. Comment: Jean-Michel Cazes is definitely a winemaker that can reliably choose the best terriors from which to source his grapes. They are found all over the appellation and blended according to vintage in order to achieve this consistently well regarded Bordeaux wine. Its hallmark characteristic is a pleasant balance, which mingles the body of right bank Bordeaux with the richness typical of the right bank. Elegant, stylish, and affordable. Food pairing: duck| beef | poultry with cream sauce | medium to rich cheese | hearty pastas When to drink: Drink young and up to 3 years after release Service temperature: 18°C | 64°F
Chateau Lagrange Les Arums de Lagrange Bordeaux Blanc $22
Tasting notes: Fruit aromas can be reminiscent of crushed berries, the wine is dry, smooth and balanced. After a few years aging, notes of honey and almonds come to the front. Comment: Aged 20 months in 80% new oak barrels Food pairing: white meat | pork | seafood | earthy entrees When to drink: Drink young, no more than 3-4 years after releaseService temperature: 9°C | 48°F
Bordeaux Wine Buying Guide: Bordeaux Superieur
This appellation covers the same ground as generic Bordeaux, although its standards of production are a little different. The mostly red, and sometimes sweet white wines from this appellation must first of all have a slightly higher alcohol content than the generic (a marginal difference of 10% instead of 9.5%). A slight reduction in maximum grape yield in the vineyards, along with a restriction on the wines' release until the September after harvest assures that this appellation indicates a more mature, selective product. These wines are generally more reliable in terms of quality from year to year than generic Bordeaux. This is something to bear in mind when pressed to make a quick purchase, or in choosing an as yet untried label.
Bordeaux Superieur AOC wines are also produced from selected vineyard plots and older vines. As a result, these red wines are more complex and have a better aging potential than Bordeaux AOC wines. A good number of these wines are thought of as perfect examples of the Bordeaux style, fruity and elegant blends made primarily with the region’s most reputed varieties. These wines can attest to the fact that it should not be assumed that a generic designation necessarily indicates a drab wine. One should also remember that the practice of blending ensures the style of an estate remains consistent. So consumers should put their faith in a reliable winemaker to produce a quality wine in even less than favorable vintages.
In the finer examples of this class, the aromatic register is typical of Bordeaux, including fruit (cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant) and floral aromas (violet), with a touch of more complex aromas such as liquorice, cedar, dried plum, and pink gold. Overall, Bordeaux Supérieur wines are more concentrated, complex, and powerful, than Bordeaux AOC, and have more structured tannins. The effect of this is that while Superior Bordeaux wines may be consumed young, their powerful tannins also impart a greater aging potential.
Good white Bordeaux usually has a rich, golden yellow color. The sweet wines of Sauternes are especially dense, but generic wines made with the same blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon can be just as rich in body.
recommended Bordeaux Superieur... Chateau Au Grand Paris Bordeaux Superieur $10
Tasting notes: This wine glints of
garnet and maysmell of crushed autumn leaves. Wealthy with flavors
of plum, currant, and cloves. The feel is very smooth on the mouth
and the finish is long. Comment: An excellent wine at this price or even twice this price. Food pairing: grilled meats | pate | heartyentrees | peppered steak When to drink: withing 1 year of release Service temperature: 15°C | 61°F
 Valentons Canteloup, Bordeaux
Superieur $12
Grapes: 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 65% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc Tasting notes: Medium bodied and supple, with the aroma of red flowers. Comment: Hand harvested and macerated for 25-45 days, fermented in stainless steel and a small percentage of the wine receives oak depending upon the vintage. Food pairing: everyday drinking | aperitif | hard cheeses | earthy entrees When to drink: Drink young or put in cellar for 3-5 years Service temperature: 15°C | 61°F
  Bois-Malot, Bordeaux Superieur
$12
Grapes: 55% Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, 45% Semillon Tasting notes: Pleasantly floral and rich in body. Supple and fruity. Comment: From vines averaging in age 15 years. Aged on its lees for 3 months after fermentation, making this a more complex generic wine. Food pairing: everyday drinking | poultry | seafood | salads | picnic foods When to drink: Drink young, within 1 year of release Service temperature: 17°C | 64°F
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