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Overview:
Bordeaux is
the largest fine wine-making region in the world, as well as the
most legendary. The Bordeaux region is comprised of 57
appellations (districts). The 57 Bordeaux appellations are
commonly divided into 6 families of wine: 4 red and 2 white.
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Quality Levels
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1. Bordeaux: This is the first
level of wine in Bordeaux, and usually the least expensive.
These wines are known by what you could almost call a brand
name, such as Mouton-Cadet.
2. Bordeaux + Region: Regional
wines come from a defined area. Only grapes and wines made
in that certain area can be called by its regional name. For
example, Medoc and St.-Emilion.
3. Bordeaux + Region + Chateau:
Chateau wines are the products of individual vineyards.
There are more than 9,000 chateaux in Bordeaux. Chateau
wines are considered the best quality and in-turn command
the highest prices. For example, Chateau d'Yquem.
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Grape Varieties: In Bordeaux, almost all wines are blends of
several grape varieties. Red Bordeaux wines can be a blend of any
of these 6 authorized varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet
Franc are the primary blending grapes, with Malbec, Petit Verdot and
Carmenere as secondary blending grapes. White Bordeaux has 8
authorized grape varieties: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle are
the primary blending grapes, the other 5 are secondary and are rarely
used to blend white wine: Merlot Blanc, Ondenc, Mauzac, Colombard and
Ugni Blanc. |
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Habersham Hint: Most red wines taste best between 60 to 65
degrees; whites and roses between 50 to 58 degrees; sweet wines between
55 to 60 degrees. |
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