French wine tasting: from Bordeaux to Burgundy
France has long been known as one of the world's top wine producers, with a rich history and unique terroirs producing wines of exceptional quality and complexity. In this article, we will take a journey through two of France's most famous wine regions, Bordeaux and Burgundy, exploring the distinctive characteristics of each and the wines they produce.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is undoubtedly one of the most famous wine regions in the world, known for its elegant, complex, and age-worthy red wines. The region is located in southwestern France, along the Gironde estuary, and is home to some of the most prestigious wine estates in the world.
The Bordeaux region is divided into two main areas, the Left Bank and the Right Bank. The Left Bank is home to some of the most famous wine regions in the world, including Margaux, Pauillac, and Saint-Estephe. The wines produced here are predominantly made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which thrive in the gravelly soils of the region.
On the Right Bank, Merlot is the primary grape variety, and the soils are more diverse, ranging from clay to limestone. The wines produced here are typically softer and more approachable in their youth than those from the Left Bank.
One of the most famous of all the Bordeaux wines is Chateau Margaux, located in the Margaux appellation on the Left Bank. This estate has been producing wine for over 400 years and is known for its elegant, perfumed wines with a firm tannic structure. Other notable estates in the region include Chateau Latour, Chateau Lafite Rothschild, and Chateau Haut-Brion.
Burgundy
Burgundy, located in eastern France, is another famous wine region with a long history of producing high-quality wines. The region is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, which are used to produce some of the most sought-after wines in the world.
Burgundy is divided into five main areas, each with its own distinct characteristics and styles of wine. The most famous of these is the Cote d'Or, home to some of the best and most expensive wines in the world. The wines produced here are mostly red, made from Pinot Noir grapes, with the village of Gevrey-Chambertin being one of the most famous.
Further south in the region, in the Maconnais and Chalonnais, Chardonnay grapes dominate, and the wines produced here are typically more affordable and approachable in their youth.
One of the most famous estates in Burgundy is Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, located in the Cote d'Or. This estate produces some of the most expensive and sought-after wines in the world, with prices often exceeding $10,000 per bottle.
Tasting notes
To truly appreciate the nuances and complexity of French wines, it's important to taste them for yourself. Here are some tasting notes for some of the most famous Bordeaux and Burgundy wines:
Chateau Margaux 2016 – On the nose, this wine has notes of violets, cassis, and cedarwood. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, complex finish.
Chateau Latour 2015 – This wine has a powerful nose, with aromas of black fruit, coffee, and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, with firm tannins and a long, powerful finish.
Romanee-Conti 2013 – On the nose, this wine has elegant aromas of red fruit, rose petals, and earth. The palate is delicate and refined, with a silky texture and a long, complex finish.
Gevrey-Chambertin 2017 – This wine has a beautiful ruby color and a nose of red fruit and spice. On the palate, it is juicy and vibrant, with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish.
Conclusion
French wines are some of the most complex and sought-after in the world, with a long history of producing exceptional quality wines. Bordeaux and Burgundy are two of the most famous wine regions in France, with their own unique characteristics and styles of wine. Whether you prefer the elegant red wines of Bordeaux or the delicate Pinot Noirs of Burgundy, there is something for everyone in the world of French wine.