Bordeaux– to most people , the name itself simply stands for a type of wine . However , it ’s also a big French wine neighborhood . And , while you might think the realm focuses on producing its namesake only , the wine production of the realm is really quite divers . In fact , wineries within the Bordeaux realm are capable of cultivating almost every variety of Gallic wine in world . This ability , along with the salient commerce provided by the part ’s port and a nearly alone story of winemaking , has made the Bordeaux vino region the force it is today .
Bordeaux ’s history is as rich and layered as you would expect from an old European country . From the times of prosperity – such as the feast of Bordeaux vino during English convention – to the trying times – like the parade of diseases that walk out after the eighteenth C – viticulture has steadfastly stick to the cutting edge as a source of revenue within the part ’s economic system [ source : the Wine Doctor ] .
Many geographical and agricultural factors bring about Bordeaux ’s dominant stance in Gallic wine production . And most of them still play a part in Bordeaux ’s continued relevancy in viticulture . The neighborhood contains several different expanse that leave for diverse grape crops . Furthermore , the full realm has a climate tempered by the sea . This allow the vine to grow twelvemonth after year without the motivation for replant . Other regions are n’t as prosperous – when Robert Frost terms happens , crops must be replanted [ source : the French Wine Guide ] . Bordeaux ’s port also played a prominent part in the region ’s power to make a name for itself outside its moulding .
Many vary wine of the highest caliber originate in the Bordeaux neighborhood , and as a result , the Bordeaux area is known for quality wine-colored without being limited to any one type . Although it is best known for its red ink , Bordeaux bring forth many brilliant White as well .
Bordeaux Wine Region History and Culture
Much like the regions of Burgundy and Mosel , the story of winemaking in Bordeaux go all the way back to the Roman Empire [ germ : the Wine Doctor ] . Vines are mentioned in the poesy of the area from the fourth one C , and although there is little data to support it , most trust grapeshot were cultivated here much before . The area is idealistic for grapeshot emergence and there are wine presses that date back to the Roman Empire as well .
There is little information about viniculture in the area before the 12th century , but from then on , wine production has been what the region is best known for . This thunder came as the result of a marriage . The trade union of Henry II to Eleanor of Aquitaine leave the part under English ruler . As a resolution , England hop to promote swap with the arena and offered a tax break to French merchants . Bordeaux ’s wines became the least expensive wines in England , and were quickly in gamy requirement [ germ : the Wine Doctor ] .
Eventually sell relation with areas like Germany and the British Isles ameliorate , far extending the reach of Bordeaux ’s reputation . Soon bigger names in winemaking set up shop in the Bordeaux region so they could secure a piece of the thriving market for themselves [ source : the Wine Doctor ] . The Bordeaux region literally became one of the most important winemaking area in the world . Despite skin with major agricultural problem like powdery mildew and other vine - threatening diseases , Bordeaux remain one of the most of import wine-coloured region in France – and the world .
Bordeaux Wine Region Agriculture
As remark earlier , the region of Bordeaux is fortunate to have a outstandingly moderate climate – this is thanks in large part to the Atlantic Ocean . The winters of the region are very balmy and have only occasionally reach temperature that earnestly damaged the vine , meaning crops rarely require replanting . With the singular exception of large rain and thunderstorms throughout September , spring and twilight are often mild as well . Summers in the neighborhood , however , have been more and more hot .
According to a solidifying of elaborate climate and agricultural records , which France has been keeping for hundreds of year , the increase passion has made the harvest find in the first place and earlier , with the 2003 craw having the early harvesting in history [ origin : the Wine Doctor ] .
The dirt composition of the overall realm varies , but generally , the land of Bordeaux includes a salmagundi of combination of clay , limestone , gravel and sand . The region itself is reveal down into sixterroirs(broadly , a terroir is a microclimate or country denote by its grunge type , topography and atmospheric condition conditions , all of which puzzle out together to affect the flavor of the wine produce in that orbit ) . The terroirs of Bordeax are :
[ germ : Bordeaux / CIVB ]
Reportedly , there are more than 13,000 wine growers in Bordeaux and approximately 9,000 wine-coloured - bring about châteaus bottling wine-colored . What is grown on these vineyards could be a combination of many grape varieties . Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are the most unremarkably reap grapes in Bordeaux . Beyond these two salient varieties , you ’ll also find Cabernet Franc , Malbec , Carmenère , Petit Verdot , Sémillon , Colombard , Merlot Blanc , Muscadelle and many others [ source : the Wine Doctor ] .
Famous Wines of the Bordeaux Wine Region
So certainly , there ’s the Bordeaux of Bordeaux , but what else does the region produce ? Chateaus throughout Bordeaux create one C of unique wines , both red and ashen . From the portmanteau of ruby wine-coloured known simply as Bordeaux to the powerful whites of the region like Barsac , legion variety of vino call Bordeaux dwelling .
The Bordeaux is clearly the most well love of the realm , named after the sphere ’s largest metropolis . And unlike some other French regionals that are made 100 per centum from one kind of grape , Bordeaux is actually a blend of at least two varieties of red grapes . It commence with a Cabernet Sauvignon and then might include Cabernet Franc , Merlot or another alike red [ seed : Wine Intro ] .
Médoc , a full - corporate red wine-coloured , unremarkably hold a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot along with a small dimension of other smorgasbord , including Malbec and Petit Verdot . [ source : French Wine Guide ] .
Margaux , much like Médoc , is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot - but the blend relies more on the Cabernet Sauvignon . A small portion of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapeshot may accompany this blend , but usually in very small proportions . Some say these are the most ticklish wines of the total Bordeaux Region .
Saint Emilion , a full bodied , strongly hued cerise wine , is known for reaching maturity quicker than other red-faced Bordeaus . It is typically made of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes , which originate very well in this terrior , especially in the Dordogne Valley [ source : French Wine Guide ] .
Barsac wines are powerful and perfumed white wines with a unattackable fruity flavor . Typically , they are made from Sauvignon , Sémillon and Muscadelle grapes , which are known for masking the taste of the alcoholic drink in the wine-coloured .
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