Bordeaux is Back for Under $20 a Bottle!
Bordeaux Wine Growing Country
I regretfully missed the Bordeaux Matchmaking event in NYC’s Cipriani hosted by enjoybordeaux.com because I was in the middle of moving. Between all the unpacked boxes and a dead furnace that urgently needed replacement, I’ve been down for the count blogging over the last few weeks. But now I’m back and happy to report that enjoybordeaux.com were generous enough to send along 2 bottles to my doorstep for sampling. A far different ambiance than Cipriani’s, my kitchen counter and a wine glass extirpated from packing bubble wrap were my backdrop. A smaller box, this one from Fed Ex, was torn open like a gift on Christmas morning revealing a bottle each of white and red Bordeaux. I was now ready to venture into new tasting territory!
Traditionally, Bordeaux are considered out of reach for most budget minded wine connoisseurs due not only to price but general unfamiliarity with consumers here in the States. That’s changing in a big way with a new campaign launched by enjoybordeaux.com in partnership with the European Union. If you missed one of their Matchmaking Events, do the next best thing…make your match online, and have a couple bottles shipped to you in the comfort of your home, and get some conversations flowing with a couple of friends:
Clarendelle 2006 Bordeaux
A sophisticated and balanced blend of Bordeaux’s 3 traditional white grape varietals: Sauvignon 44%, Semillon 46%,
Clarendelle Bordeaux
and Mouscadelle 10% is even distinctive enough to enhance steamed veggies and noodles. I dutifully iced this dry white wine outside on my deck for 20 minutes at sub 30 degree F temps. Upon popping the cork, I was embraced in a Lilac aroma and captivated by its golden butter cup reflective luster…very clear with an apple juice sheen. The faint floral bouquet seduced me into sipping a strong burst of pear with an edgy mouthfeel. For a dry white wine, the sugars poked through strongly. Overall, an even finish without too much fruit intruding the palate makes it perfect for pairing with grilled fish and lively cheeses like Cheddar and Jarlsburg.
Chateau Larose Trintaudon 2004 Haut-Medoc
I paired this dark red Bordeaux with Stella Asiago aged cheese and grilled hickory smoked boneless ribeye…and this fortuitously turned out to be a smart choice. The wine had a deep smoky fruit at first waft, berry caramel on the palate with a clean, crisp mouth feel leading to a pure mountain spring water finish. In short, a wide range of blueberry, grape, and slight citrus tang yet not overwhelming. Bold Merlot poked through but without the harsh tannins. Certainly, the ribeye was not overpowered allowing the finest juices to mingle through the fruit and pair richly with the hickory smoke and char…a perfect marriage of beast and vine!
Chateau Larose Trintaudon Bordeaux
Paired with the Asiago, the cheese’s spare cream sprung forth on the palate with curds coming alive all throughout the mouth. The delicate even tempered fruit coaxed the curds into action with rich biting flavors. Smoky at the back of the palate with a kick up to the roof. Sweet grapey with a noticeable burst of oak aged Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes that comprise this fine Bordeaux. Best of all, my palate was perked up to be more receptive to the iron rich meat juices.
Oh yeah, and it’s perfect for sipping all by its little ‘ole self in fruity neutral splendor!
photos courtesy of enjoybordeaux.com and snooth.com
