Here, the chateaux are smaller than the grand Médoc houses, so as not to waste any land that could be growing grapes. I settled on just 35% merlot, which Rémy put into a demi bottle for me and labeled with my name.įor a different but equally intimate look at the region’s vineyards, you can also take a bicycle tour of Saint-Émilion, a small appellation on the ‘right bank’ of the Garonne. Next, using a tall graduated beaker, you begin to sample different ratios - 70% cabernet sauvignon was too much for me, but an equal mix was insufficient. We discussed my preference for big reds and grippy, bold tannins. Then he launches into an explanation of the eponymous Bordeaux blend and how cabernet sauvignon’s tannins are mellowed by the fruity notes of the merlot. His class begins with a refresher on the familiar rituals of wine tasting, as well as an introduction to the area’s history of wine production and the regions inside the Bordeaux appellation. His passion for the region’s wines comes through in every gesture and word. If you prefer a more intimate insight into the Bordeaux wines, I suggest you take a private blending class.īoasting a tousled mane of blond hair and an infectious smile, Rémy is a trained sommelier who was born in Bordeaux. One of France’s largest appellations, its sunlit vineyards create some of the most storied (and expensive) wines in the world, including Dauzac, Lafite Rothschild and Margaux, all located in the Médoc region.Ī driving tour offers you a well-curated glimpse at the inner workings of some of these celebrated houses and the production process. You can see it in the very architecture of the city - historic buildings along the river have wide doors and gentle ramps for moving barrels down to waiting boats.īordeaux’s historic downtown has been recently renovated, and I suggest allotting at least a day to enjoy the glories of its 18th-century architecture and world-renowned food.Īs compelling as the city is, I visit the region for its wines. Straddling a bend on the Garonne River, the city of Bordeaux has been the heart of a wine region since the Middle Ages.
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