One of the main reasons behind the huge popularity of this wine type is the kind of grapes winemakers use for preparing it. The section below talks about the four grape variants top vintners in Bordeaux use.
Ask an expert to prepare a list of the best wine types available in the world. One name that will surely feature in the list is that of Bordeaux wine. As the name of this wine variant suggests, it is produced in Bordeaux, France. France exports thousands of liters of this special wine every year.
One of the main reasons behind the huge popularity of this wine type is the kind of grapes winemakers use for preparing it. The section below talks about the four grape variants top vintners in Bordeaux use.
1. Merlot
Most top vintners in Bordeaux use Merlot for preparing high-quality wine. The fruit can have aromas resembling those of raspberries, plums, spices, and fruit cake. Additionally, it also has the smokiness of a cigar box, which makes its scent unique and invigorating.
According to experts, Merlot is mostly used to prepare wines suitable for young drinkers. That’s because this grape type results in rounder, and softer wines.
In Bordeaux, you’ll find wines containing 80 to 100% Merlot. You can expect amazing aging potential and quality from such wines. And if it’s a bottle containing 100% Merlot, it will come with an aging potential of more than 20 years.
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
Experts often refer to this grape variant as the “king of grapes”. Winemakers in Bordeaux never prepare wine only with Cabernet Sauvignon. They blend the grape with other variants such as Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot to prepare high-quality wine. The blending results in the creation of wine featuring classic aromas like cassis, blackcurrant, cedar, and green bell pepper. Other than that, the wine will also present a characteristic smokiness.
The flavor, meatiness, and smokiness of wine prepared using Cabernet Sauvignon increase with age. You can expect this wine type to have a blissful taste and smell even after 30 to 50 years.
3. Cabernet Franc
This grape type is also used for preparing blended wines. Most vintners in Bordeaux blend Cabernet Franc mostly with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. However, some brave winemakers do prepare wine just by using Cabernet Sauvignon. Those single blends present aromas resembling those of violet, plum, blackcurrant, and raspberry.
If you are planning to purchase blends, go for variants containing 50 to 60% of Cabernet Franc. Those wines, though rare, have great aging potential and also score impressively when it comes to fragrance.
4. Semillon
This is the most common grape variant used to prepare sweet wine in Bordeaux wineries. Wines that contain only Semillon are usually waxy during the initial phase. However, as it grows old it presents a nutty, honeyed flavor.
Blended variants contain a combination of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. According to experts, Sauvignon Blanc livens up the flavor of Semillon.
Final words
If you want to taste authentic wine, buy a few bottles from Millesima, a family-run company in Bordeaux, France. The company will not only allow you to taste some high-end, flavorful wine but will also impress you with its top-notch service and in-depth knowledge of wine. The product list of Millesima includes everything from white and red wines to sparkling and rose wines.
If you want to get hold of special wines from the house of Millesima, you can place your order online. Other than that, you can also buy them from their NYC shop.
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