Sparkling and rosé Bordeaux wine
The Bordeaux rosé appellation covers the whole of the Bordeaux region and at the moment, uses the same red grapes above minus the new arrivals, often with a majority of Cabernet and Merlot, but not always. Bordeaux rosé is usually refreshingly light and supple with notes of ripe strawberry and grapefruit. They are gorgeously fruity wines for every day drinking all year round and an absolute must in the sunshine! No need for cellaring here and they usually sit at a very accessible price point.
The sparkling wines of Bordeaux, the ‘Crémants’, are rapidly becoming better known as people move away from the sweeter, Prosecco styles of fizz towards drier, more complex bubbles that don’t have Champagne prices. Crémant de Bordeaux comes in white and rosé and is made in the same traditional method as Champagne but usually has a fresher, more everyday appeal with more fruit and less brioche notes. Given their time-consuming production methods, these Crémant wines can offer stunning value for money.
If you want to get to know Bordeaux grapes better, there’s only one way to do it. Get tasting! Here are some suggestions for your very own Tasting Tour:
Crémant
Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux White, £10. Tesco
Crisp and fresh with notes of fleshly apple and a touch of spice.
M&S Crémant de Bordeaux rosé, £9. Marks & Spencer
Vibrant, elegant and fruity with notes of ripe strawberry and rosehip.
Rosé
Le Coin, Bordeaux Rosé AOC, 2019. £10.99 Laithwaites
Citrusy fresh and herbaceous with bright berry fruit.
Lion & the Lily, Les Vignerons de Tutiac, Bordeaux Rosé, 2019. £12.99 Majestic
100% Merlot with soft cherry and strawberry flavours a cool minerality.
White
Le G de Giraud, 2017, £12.75. Corney & Barrow.
Rich, ripe and zesty, with notes of apple and cut grass.
Château Olivier Blanc, Grand Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan, 2017. £40 Davy Wine
Full-bodied and tropical with a blend of citrus, herbaceous and pineapple flavours.
Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Pessac-Leognan AOC Grand Cru Classe, 2016. £95 Laithwaites
Intense, full and concentrated with floral aromatics and earthy tones amongst the rich fruit. A special treat.
Red – Right Bank
Château Grand Village, Rouge, Bordeaux Supérieur, 2016. £19.68, Justerini & Brooks
J&B describe this as ‘without question the best wine we have tasted from this estate on the outskirts of Fronsac.’ Stunning perfume and bright red berry fruit, with elegant, smooth tannins.
Pomerol, Estates JP Moueix, 2015. £21.95 Corney & Barrow
Super accessible, soft and juicy with cedar spice, this is the perfect starter for 10 Pomerol.