Intro to Bordeaux Wine | Wine Folly
Explore the 4 wines you must know from Bordeaux while learning more about this famous wine region. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are Bordeaux's most important grape, but that's not all you'll find in Bordeaux.
See full wine details: winefolly.com/episode/the-fir...
2:21 Red Bordeaux - Cabernet-based blend from Médoc or the "left bank"
4:01 Red Bordeaux - Merlot-based blend from the "right bank"
5:23 White Bordeaux - A blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc
6:46 Sauternais - Bordeaux's rich golden sweet wines
Go to the full Bordeaux Guide: bordeaux.guides.winefolly.com/
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Пікірлер: 186
Americans should fall in love with Bordeaux again. This is an amazing region with a ton of history. Thanks for an amazing tutorial.
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
One of my favorite wine regions in the world, I love especially the varieties available in the area and all the influences they spread around the world!
Very good video -- clear and good info! And glad that you are helping people understand Bordeaux because so many people seem to find it so confusing, yet it is one of the best wine regions in the world, for good reason! Also, your website is one of the best (if not the very best) for wine online and your book is excellent too. Thanks!
Another amazing and informative video from my favourite wine knowledge communicator. Thanks Madeline!
Fun and informative! Loved this video. Can't wait to see your next video. Thanks!
Madeline, I thought this was one of your best videos yet. While most of us can't afford to drink the top five wines, there are so many properties in Bordeaux that it is always possible to find real values in almost every vintage. I am partial to the red wines of Graves, which are usually very reasonably priced and quite enjoyable. I also like Ch. Lanessan, by the way :)
@numanuma20
2 жыл бұрын
I like Graves as well. Something about the rocky soil gives the wines there more structure.
@tonygallo1104
Жыл бұрын
I don’t know or have tried red wine from Graves, thanks for mentioning this Chateau. And thanks as always to MP and Wine Folly
@rayquintero3770
8 ай бұрын
@@numanuma20yooôer we see tu
Love this format!
Appreciate the effort to make this video and the great information. Thank you!
Good video. I always learn something from your videos. Thanks.
Love the fact you pointed out “between two seas”. Thee are great whites and reds coming out of that area. 👍👍👍👍
Nice episode looking forward for more
Many thanks for this informative presentation. Cheers 🍷
Great content! Looking forward to similar videos
I am already looking for these 4 😋
This was great. Lanessan currently offers such a great Left Bank example at a really good price.
Definitely picking up some of the Sauternais!
I love Bordeaux wines. My maternal Grandmother's surname is Bordeaux and her family is from the Bordeaux region. I was born with a love for wine. It's in my DNA (ha).
I moved from Seattle to Jurançon 5 years ago. We have our own great wines here and it's less than two hours from Bordeaux. A wine lover's paradise!
@Winefolly
2 ай бұрын
Holy moly magic!!!
Love your sweet nature
I have lots of Sauternes. Love them
This is fascinating.
Fantastic, had the pleasure of visiting Cognac, Bordeaux, Beaujolais, Sancerre and Champagne last year. TBH I could spend all my time driving around and tasting :)
@chrisginoc
2 жыл бұрын
How was it compared to the wines in Napa?
Mondavi once said - France make wine as ART, The USA makes wine as a BUSINESS! Love that you go from Reds to Whites....
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
Both go with what they're good at. :D
Awesome video!
Your presentation was so helpful in demystifying Bordeaux wines. I’ve always gone with new world wines just because I had no idea what to look for in a Bordeaux. (Also, my pronunciation of French is awful- nothing you can do about that). Thanks for giving me a bit of confidence to explore wines from this region.
Really good!
I loved your book and I enjoy your episodes
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Samir!!!
Pleasantly surprised to find my favorite Bordeaux Red, Chateau Lanessan being featured here. This is definitely a hidden gem. Great quality with really affordable price. Would definitely recommend to everyone who wants to experience the beauty and elegance of Bordeaux.
Great video!
Hey Madeline, I've been a fan since I saw SOMM Into the Bottle many years ago. Just got your book, and recently found this channel and your IG page. Love your work, your videos have a great vibe. I might just have to binge watch for an hour on this fine morning! I grew up in Napa and currently live in Vallejo, right next door! I work in the craft coffee industry but always have had a love affair with wine making. One day I'd really like to work in the wine business like you! Thanks and have a great week!
@Winefolly
Жыл бұрын
Vallejo is awesome! I heard y'all are getting a 47 mi private bike trail that goes from Vallejo to Calistoga.
My first exposure to the sweet wines of Bordeaux is the 1983 Doisy Daene ($10 a bottle !)... Hooked since then... Will be having some 1990 de Fargues next weekend !!! Life is GOOD !
@Winefolly
Жыл бұрын
Wow what a vintage!
@ptg01
Жыл бұрын
@@Winefolly Indeed. The 83s got me hooked. I still have some 83 Suduiraut to drink up ! Sigh.
In my opinion, the white wines of Bordeaux are underrated and under appreciated. The Chateau Latour-Martillac and the Lagrave-Martillac are amazing.
@botrytis_cinerea
8 ай бұрын
Blanc de Lynch-Bages is also top. It's my personal favourite from the region.
I like your passion
Chateau Lanessan would have been priced more expensive, if the owners of the Chateau actually submitted a few bottles for classification in 1855. It routinely tastes like a 3rd of 4th growth level wine. Sadly for the owners (but thankfully for us wine geeks), the winery was experiencing some problems during the year of 1855 and thus they opted not to go to the Wine Expo and stayed back to fix the problems at their wineries. This sadly deprived the Chateau of its true classification and thus it had to be content at selling its wines at a non-classified growth wine. However, I feel the wines quality is began gathering a more fans to this wines and thereby cementing its status as a true value wine of Bordeaux.
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
What a story! Looks like quality still rises! we were impressed :)
Informative
Thank you Madeline for the lesson on Bordeaux! I picked up a 2016 Chateau du Retout recently and was fabu! Btw, is that African amber you are sporting???
Cool thanks
You need to come to Texas. I would love to hear your take on our wines!
I enjoy your enthusiasm for wines and your tasting notes. I never tasted white limestone though ;-) In the past I bought a lot of Bordeaux and still have some 25-30 year old vintages. But Bordeaux has disappointed me with a continuous price increase and pre-sales. The region priced itself out of the market imho, yet you can still find wines with a good price-quality, by example in Fronsac. I think Rhône wines have a way better value for money. And look wat great original and interesting red wines are produced now in Portugal, Spain and Italy. But ok, those are different blends. One more thing. The most expensive Bordeaux are Pomerols: Pétrus on the first place. Le Pin is not cheap either. Cheers from Holland! Keep up the good work.
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
Indeed. it's happened with Napa Valley too.
Hi Madeline! Question: in order to better identify notes in the bouquet, do sommeliers actually take time to smell things like beeswax and passionfruit? Just curious, because I have no idea what those smell like. 😅Absolutely love the channel, and will order your book!
@margaseneres6003
Жыл бұрын
I have the same question no idea what those smell like 😂
Just wanted to point out that it wasn't the Napoleon as in Napoleon Bonaparte, the guy who went to Russia and back and got a proper spanking at Waterloo. It was Napoleon III. Also a very interesting character and not only because of wine!
Where do you find all these wines online
Haha when you opened the Sauternes I was thinking "the first thing she'll say is apricot". Love that style! People who say they don't like sweet wines should try it
It's also essential to Bordeaux wines that they are extremely age worthy. I would say that they shouldn't be drunk until they're 10-15 years old and even that's young. Merlot based wines can typically be drunk a little younger than Cabernet Sauvignon based wines though. If you are opening a bottle younger than 10 years make sure it's decanted for at least a couple of hours before drinking it. Second wines can typically be drunk a little younger as they are leaner and have less concentration than the Grand Vin option (even though some of the top Second Vin can have higher concentration than some cheaper first wines). Young Bordeaux that is not decanted can be quite harsh to drink, especially if it's a Cabernet Sauvignon. Should only be done with food.
Ah, Château Lanessan! Excellent choice. It is a more 'traditional' producer (in a good way) and 2009 was a 'modern year'. That provided an excellent wine, not too extracted. St. Emilions, in general, are easier too like. Maybe a bit more 'commercial, likeable'. Merlot just is a bit friendlier than cabernet. But give the cabernets enough time....
Why did you taste the Semillon as the third but not the first wine? Did you taste it on a different day?
Just wonder can bordeaux subregions can be identified in blind tasting especially from the left?
love
Enjoyed the video and learnt a lot, thank you. However just curious what 'Wet Limestone" and 'Red gravel' smell like.
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
Get some gravel and pour water on it. Then smell “wet gravel!”
In 2013 I bought the Château Lanessan Haut-médoc 2010 (a great vintage) Red Bordeaux for $23.82.
In Germany we love to drink Domkellerstolz red wine :-)
Just getting into Bordeaux from being stuck on Napa for years. If you had limited cellar space remaining, would you recommend 2016 Domaine De Chevalier or 2016 Chateau D'Issan?
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
Great vintage. Excellent producers. Hold!!
@ronmcmartin4513
2 жыл бұрын
@Chris G--Those are 2 different regions in Bordeaux(Pessac & Margaux, respectively), much like Napa Valley, Sonoma & Howell Mtn are different "regions"(flavor nuances). Of those 2 Bordeaux, I'd say the Chevalier is a better wine in 2016, and should be ready about 2029-2035(with PROPER storage). I'd buy them in a 3/1 ratio(Chev/D'Issan). Also look for 2018, 2019, 2020 vintages in Bordeaux for future delivery, as they are substantially better than 2017. Drinking window($40-70, in excellent vintages) is usually 13-17 years from vintage date, whereas Napa is more like 8-15 years. In general, Napa wines are better for appetizers, while European wines are for Main Courses.
I really love those Bordeaux wines, i'm drinking a Bordeaux wine called: Croix de pérenne. It expensive as f**k but it worth the money. 😍
Great video! Where are those wine glasses from?
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
So glad you asked! shop.winefolly.com/collections/wine-accessories/products/gabriel-glas-universal-wine-glass-austria
Why is the Zalto wine glass so very expensive?
How do I get the wine glass with 75mm and 150mm pour marks shown at 4:20??
@Winefolly
Жыл бұрын
We used to sell them on shop.winefolly.com - they were discontinued though!
I love how I can see her arm hair in the sunlight.
This is the first of your videos I have watched and am quite impressed. A good introduction to Bordeaux. Just one small point, Sauternes is pronounced 'so-turn' not 'so-turnay .' Otherwise, great!
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
I was referencing "Sauternais" which is an area that includes Sauternes and Barsac among others. I did however, totally pronounce the "ess" on the end. 5 years of French and there's definitely room for improvement.
@chrisdyson5513
2 жыл бұрын
@@Winefolly fair enough.
If anyone is thinking of buying a bottle of Sauternes, know that yes it is officially classed as a desert wine but is actually best served slightly chilled with fois gras. It certainly is not to be drunk on its own.
Where are you guys getting these wines I live in Ohio and are impossible to find? Is there a great online importer of wines that you guys recommend?
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
You might check out klwines.com they have a huge Bordeaux selection. Also... maybe astor wine and spirits out of NY
Thanks for the tip about grand vin. Been into Bordeaux for 20 years, memorized the 1855 classification etc., But never heard about the grand vin thing. I thought it just another meaningless expression to fool the consumer into thinking it was something. I note that few of the classified chateaux use it, but still good to know. As an interesting aside, Petrus use it (Grand Vin) - but they don't make a second wine, making it redundant.
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
Wow! There are so many wineries in the classification... I'm impressed!
@godfreyspence32
2 жыл бұрын
It is meaningless.
@nikolajwinther5955
2 жыл бұрын
@@Winefolly when you can't afford to buy, you read and dream and memorize.
@francoisthailande2440
2 жыл бұрын
@@nikolajwinther5955 No it's not meaningless, no intended to fool customers too. In France the classification system do not offer the same liberty as in the US when it came to produce wine. The term "grand vin" is used when the winery produces a "second vin", usually less expensive than the first. The "grand vin" is the flagship, intended to collect the best rates by critics, often made with rigorous selection and fine blends, which is expensive. Many producers are making more affordable “second wines”, with grapes that have not been selected for “great wine” to make them profitable. They are not tagged "Grand Cru" or "1er Grand cru"... a such distinction only concerns the "Grand vin" in this case. There are "Le petit Lion", the second wine of Chateau Léoville-Las Cases; "Clarence de Haut-Brion", second wine of Chateau Haut-Brion; "le Carillon d'Angélus", second wine of Chateau Angélus; "Carruades de lafite", second wine of Chateau Lafite-Rotschild; etc... These examples are very qualitative second wines, made by top producers with the same care as their "grands vins", but there are also a lot of less interesting "second vins" of course. Some even produce cheaper wines than their second wines, kind of third or fourth wines of sorts. To attract a different clientele more casual or young, or just to diversify like some Sauternes wineries who produce now dry white wines sold as "Bordeaux Supérieur". But as there is always a risk of damaging its brand image, some Grand Crus producers choose to make only one wine, which they don't need to call it "great wine" in this case!
Let me get two historical facts straight: 1. The Dutch never 'controlled' the region of Bordeaux. They were simply asked by the French government to assist with draining areas in the Médoc. 2. The 'one and only' Napoleon died in 1821. It was Emperor Napoleon III who co-initiated the wine classification in 1855.
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
yeah, you're not the first person to point this out. Both True. FACTS. love 'em!
@nemokoning17
2 жыл бұрын
@@Winefolly But all the European chauvinism aside. Great video! Thank for making it :)
At 4:00 you seem to say that [La Faviere] " is from Entre-deux-mers or Libournais." AFAIK Entre-deux-mers is the region between Garonne and Dordogne, while Libournais is the opposite side ("Right bank") of the Dordogne. Does this mean this wine is from grapes sourced from both areas/banks?
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for asking! I was including Entre-Deux-Mers and Libournais together for consideration for "right bank" style Merlot-based blends because Entre-Deux-Mers actually produces some great red wines. (it's not just Pomerol and Saint-Émilion!). For example, this wine in particular comes vineyards in the Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux appellation which is a special red wine appellation in E-D-M that's basically right across the river from Sauternes. I believe that wine is classed as a Bordeaux Supérieur for better marketplace visibility.
@Sceptimus
2 жыл бұрын
@@Winefolly thanks for the detailed reply Madeline!
You look fabulous ❤️🤗🍷
🥰🥰🥰
0:54 The Dutch have never controlled the region. At best some merchants were present, and played a role in the draining of the Garonne banks.
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
ah yes. I should have said "heavily invested into the region because they're obsessed with wine"
@jornbesteman
2 жыл бұрын
@@Winefolly Well actually, the French asked the VOC (the Dutch East Indies Trading Company) to help them with the de-swamping project, which they did as they got to invest heavily in the area which was lucrative as Bordeaux was a large port that traded slaves and spices etc. I am sure they liked the wine projects though haha. A lot of Dutch merchants traveled further to South Afrika with the knowledge they gained about wine-making in the Bordeaux area. Also, the reason that there are Frysian-cows in the Bordeaux area is because the dutch also brought them around that time.
i like St James winery
Perhaps I could advise you that the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was long dead by 1855. It was Napoleon III you are likely referring to. Not exactly an individual of similar historical stature. Perhaps you are thinking of the Napoleonic Code for inheritance of 1804 established by Bonaparte (commonly referred to as "Napoleon"(. Certainly the law was an issue of major concern for French family wine domaines ever since.
@Winefolly
Жыл бұрын
The inheritance laws are more applicable to Burg yes? I think when we talk about BDX we're talking the classification of BDX wineries. So, you're nit-pick about who was Napoleon was is correct. and by long dead, I see he'd been dead 34 years. At any rate, the real point was that it's 168 years later, and the 1855 classification is still held as dogma today. Which is pretty surprising/interesting/weird/antiquated/thought-provoking. What do you think?
What does exploding with acidity taste like?
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
Try biting into an orange!
Very interesting new format! But you slaughtered the word Sauternes :D
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
hahahaah. yeah, it's "so-turn!"
@jicklesjingles8134
2 жыл бұрын
@@Winefolly you almost got it 😜
@ErikBlomqvistSwe
2 жыл бұрын
@@Winefolly actually, "saw-tern" (same vowel you use pronouncing "tell") is actually more closer in English, even though it's not 100 % accurate.
what about georgian wine ?
I find French wine are rich in history, stories and lore, but absolutely a second tier product compared to Italian wine!
Oh yes Bordeaux is vraiment bon sa mère .
3:00 it smells like gasoline?
Madeline come to Texas there are some great wineries. I think you would love it. And I know a lot of people who would love to see a video on Texas wines.
@Ivan-Hernandez
2 жыл бұрын
xD
@jamesec1949
2 жыл бұрын
And grafting Texas vines to the French saved their future from phylloxera in the late 1,800’s. Only a true oenophile would probably know that.
Err... the Napoleon of the 1855 classification was the 3rd, of which few will recall. The Napoleon (Bonaparte) we all know, he was exiled in 1814, and gone by the spring of 1821, his drinking days done!
@Winefolly
8 ай бұрын
Yep. This is true. Different Napoleons
@grahamrowe6278
8 ай бұрын
Kind of fun if Bonaparte were to return from the grave to hassle no.3 over his 1855 expo choices... there's a comedy somewhere in that. Enjoying the content. Bordelais is a lot to wade through. @@Winefolly
not creeping you out but you're looking good
Madeline, I want pour wine all o
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux
Let's do a wine tasting together :)
I like the new, more informative style of your videos! But you need to relax more, it still feels like you're tense. You're getting so good though, keep it up.
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
hahah. I'm generally super enthusiastic when it comes to wine. ;)
@tonygallo1104
2 жыл бұрын
@@Winefolly Maddie.. you are great!
My wine is stuck on a shipping container in the channel. By the time it arrives, I''ll be dead from the booster Jabs.
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
Many layers here.
Much prefer Pauillac and Pomerol
@ronmcmartin4513
2 жыл бұрын
@Chris-But your wallet doesn't! ( :>D)
@chrisgroves4097
2 жыл бұрын
@@ronmcmartin4513 Maybe my wallet doesn't care
@ronmcmartin4513
2 жыл бұрын
@@chrisgroves4097--Have you had a serious sit-down talk with your wallet lately? Perhaps you're not seeing it crying on the inside. Wallets are people, too!
@chrisgroves4097
2 жыл бұрын
@@ronmcmartin4513 🤣👍
@ronmcmartin4513
2 жыл бұрын
@@chrisgroves4097--I'm glad we cleared up the handwringing over your wallet. I agree, with some caveats: Pauillac & Pomerol are becoming Red Burgundy, too many sitting on their laurels. They are charging high prices for Average wine(especially many of the 5th Growths).
Madeline I thought you were supposed to taste you're white wines first then reds? Is this true or does it really matter. You're a total babe by the way. I love your personality.
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
True enough, but this is BDX! I start with cab! It worked ;)
I’ll take a good Napa Cabernet over any French Bordeaux any day.
OMG she butchered the names 😂 with the pronunciation but she knows her wine and her facial expressions are delightful ❤
Why does Bordeaux wine have a strange aftertaste. Maybe it’s only young vintages??
@Winefolly
Жыл бұрын
How would you describe it? Is it all Bordeaux?
@navarra4
Жыл бұрын
@@Winefolly yes.
Bees wax?? LOL!
"Grand vin de Bordeaux" has nothing to do with the winery's top wine, it's purely a marketing tool. This mention also appears on some labels of "second wines".
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
link a source for that statement please, I've read otherwise and I'd like to know more! :)
@byron19800
2 жыл бұрын
@@Winefolly , I can't give you a particular source for my statement, it's just about what I've noticed through the years of drinking and collecting Bordeaux. A good example in question is La Parde Haut-Bailly, the second wine of Haut-Bailly. "Grand vin de Bordeaux" also appears on its label. And there are other second wines with this mention on their labels. But, indeed, there are some labels like Latour and Margaux, where "Grand Vin" is mentioned in order to emphasize the main label of the winery. But that's a slight difference between "Grand Vin" and the more generic "Grand Vin de Bordeaux".
@artslayer2209
2 жыл бұрын
Yes. The problem is the words "Grand Vin de Bordeaux" are unregulated or unofficial terms. Wineries or Chateau can use this word on every one of their wines, including second wines, third wines, and even their negociant wines (if they want to).
@byron19800
2 жыл бұрын
@@artslayer2209 , exactly
@clairenclarenceful
2 жыл бұрын
May I ask which bordeaux 2nd wine actually has the the word "Grand Vin" printed on the label? Curious to know
Bordeaux vin sweet Grapes Juice not so drunk for❤women
Hotness Level = Insanity
This is the restrained Madeline. The hyperactive Madeline is lurking visibly underneath the skin.
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
Therapy helps
@blairjolley
2 жыл бұрын
@@Winefolly I like the hyperactive Madeleine. Infectious excitement for wine!
Napoleon died in 1821, so im not sure how he declared anything in 1855
@russdpipes
6 ай бұрын
nevermind, she meant Napoleon III
@Winefolly
6 ай бұрын
;) I think he's been ghosting around
You didn't spit once. They must be good.
Whereas California Bordeaux blends can be drank earlier, Bordeaux wine needs to be aged minimum of 10 years no matter the classification to truly appreciate in my opinion.
She tastes red followed by white. How rogue.
Sorry for my english , but this is so annoyed for me, please cut the foil at the second step of the top of the bottle. Why the bottle has two steps on the top, cause we cut the foil at the second and the first prevent wine to touch the foil when we pour. PLEASE
@Winefolly
2 жыл бұрын
You are correct that you need to remove below the lip if you are POURING the wine from the bottle but I wasn't. Did you see me pour with Coravin? This is what I do for Coravin!
@bhatinne
2 жыл бұрын
@@Winefolly still, that gives bad image and bad example for viewers
@ronmcmartin4513
2 жыл бұрын
@@bhatinne--Tasting blind(usually single-blind, with very competitive people who know the color of their own capsule) so often, I have removed the Entire capsule so often, it has become 2nd nature. I use a cheap knife(like a Ginsu knife) or just twist-off the whole capsule. But I agree, who wants to be drinking lead-infused wine?
Nice video, suggest you learn the pronunciations though.
@Winefolly
7 ай бұрын
Always be learning
A wiff of beeswax what a load of shit
@Winefolly
2 ай бұрын
You’d be surprised what aromatic compounds you can find in a load of 💩
Beeswax? Wet Limestone? Get over yourself!!
@sonic7184
Жыл бұрын
You know that the gut microbiome affects how people perceive aromas right??? Maybe to you wine has never smelled like beeswax or wet limestone, but it's entirely possible that it smells like this to her.