How to Choose a Red Bordeaux

Bordeaux is widely considered one of the world's greatest wines made from one of the most celebrated wine-making regions, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux is known to be deep, brooding and far from simple. Read on to learn how to choose a red Bordeaux.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Know your grapes. There is no red Bordeaux grape. The wine is made from a blend of two or more of the following grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere Malbec, Merlot or Petit Verdot.

2. Understand Bordeaux appellations. The 52 appellations, or regions, are divided into groups. The six are Barsac, Graves, Medoc, Pomerol, St. Emilion and Sauternes.

3. Check the label. A Bordeaux with the appellation printed on the label is considered to be superior to those simply labeled Bordeaux.

4. Comprehend the characteristics of a red Bordeaux. The wine is medium to full-bodied with subtle hints of dark fruit. Think cherries, blackberries and currants. The tannin flavors and acidity level depend upon the predominant grape used in the blend.

5. Pay attention to the blend. This will help you find the perfect Bordeaux to suit your tastes.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more mellow Bordeaux, choose a bottle made predominately form Merlot grapes.
• Choose a bottle made predominately of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot or Malbec grapes for a more tannic Bordeaux.
• If complexity and spice is what you desire, pick a blend in which Cabernet Franc or Carmenere as the predominate grape.
• Use the proper glass. Choose a glass with a wide bowl that slightly tapers at the top. Without the right glass, you won't experience all of the flavors and aromas of red Bordeaux.
• If you smell wet cardboard, the wine is "corked," which means it is spoiled.

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Resources

• More About Bordeaux on Franceway.com
• Red Bordeaux Wine Guide on Terroir-france.com