What to know before you Bordeaux

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of sipping on a Bordeaux, you know that you never indulge in the rich French blend just once. Perhaps it’s a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that called you back for that second glass, or maybe it was the sophisticated label that charmed your dinner guests, but either way, it’s an indulgence we love to take part in.

For those who may not know about these romantic blends, or for those who have not had the chance to say CabernYAY to these historic varietals, here’s three things to know before you’re next Bordeaux.

The price of your Bordeaux
Although many people associate the French Blend with a high price point, there are actually many Bordeaux wines that are priced anywhere from $15 and up. That being said, you will also find Bordeaux as expensive as $300 or more. The reason the prices differ so much are based on a few factors: where they are grown, the winemaking technique and the vintage. Yes, these wines do have a higher price point, but they are also globally known for their outstanding quality.

Choosing your Bordeaux
Another important thing to note about Bordeaux wines is that there are 5 grape varieties in common in red Bordeaux blends: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Malbec. Before choosing your desired blend, there are two questions you must ask yourself when choosing a Bordeaux. Do I want to drink this now; Do I want to let it age? If you would like to drink the wine upon purchase, your best choice is to choose a Merlot blend as they are more accessible and easier to drink when young. If you are looking to expand your wine cellar and let the wine age, pick up a blend that has Cabernet Sauvignon as the dominant grape variety. Due to the structured tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine can smooth out over time.

Serving your Bordeaux
Red blend Bordeaux wine is best served at around 18 degrees Celsius, so put the bottle in the fridge a few minutes before serving to bring it down from room temperature. Due to the richness of the Bordeaux blend, the best option is to serve it with a savory dish, such as steak frites, a Swiss cheese, or a mushroom casserole.

Feeling like venturing out into the Bordeaux world? Want an easy way to select our favourite Bordeaux wines? Check out our special Bordeaux release, on from Sept 29th until October 1st!