VINS DE BORDEAUX for Every Occasion

Broadwayworld.com recently had the pleasure of attending "Back to Bordeaux," a grand tasting of Bordeaux's fine wines in DUMBO, Brooklyn. We were delighted by the selections and the variety of price points for the many wines that were showcased. The event included a fascinating master class with Mary Gorman McAdams, Sabra Lewis and Nicola Allison that highlighted "Bordeaux Recent Vintages Revisited," for the years 2010, 2011, and 2012.

A little about the region. Bordeaux is located in Southwest France along the Atlantic Coast. The region encompasses 275,000 acres of vines around the Gironde Estuary and the two rivers that feed into it, the Garonne and Dordogne. These rivers divide the region into two "banks." The Left Bank with Medoc, Graves and Sweet has gravelly soils and the Right Bank with more clay like soils. The large Entre-Deux-Mers appellation is situated between the two rivers, hence its name "between two tides." A total of 65 appellations exist within the region. Bordeaux's climate is mild and influenced by its proximity to the ocean. Because of this moderate climate, Bordeaux is able to produce all styles of wine, that include red, dry white, semi-sweet and sweet wine, rose, clairet and sparkling. There are 275,000 acres of vineyards with 59 million cases of wines produced for each vintage. The region has 6,300 winegrowers, 33 wine cooperatives, 300 negociants or wine merchants, 82 brokers and 3 unions. The 300 negociants sell 70% of all Bordeaux wines produced.

Up until the 1970s, Bordeaux produced more white wines than red. While underestimated for a long time, Bordeaux dry whites have improved significantly in recent years and are worth discovering. A large range of Bordeaux red wines are softer, more fruit-forward, less oaky than some people typically perceive. These versatile wines can be drunk young, yet you can still age them.

We like that Bordeaux wines bring a sense of hospitality and elegance to any event. They pair remarkably well with the newest culinary trends and the most modern ways of eating. From vegan dishes and ethnic foods, to street fare, you can find a Bordeaux wine to enhance your everyday good foods.

The holidays will soon be in full swing. Look for Bordeaux wines whenever you are shopping or dining. There's a sense of authenticity and comfort in the name, the quality, and the history. Enjoy Bordeaux wines for every occasion.

To learn more about Vins de Bordeaux visit: www.bordeaux.com. You can follow them on Facebook at Bordeauxwine and on twitter and instagram @bordeauxwines. Use hashtag #BordeauxWines on social media.

Photo Credit: Marina Kennedy

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