It wasn’t so long ago that the words “everyday” and “Bordeaux” didn’t exist in the same sentence. That’s certainly not the case today. Affordable Bordeaux’s – ones that you would actually share with friends and family are here and ready for purchase in the – gasp – $15 and under price point.
Men’s Wine Council (Pix courtesy of Roger Paige)
At a Men’s Wine Council affordable Bordeaux tasting I attended with five other writers and one “consumer” reviewer, we all agreed that there are Bordeaux’s –both white and red – to add to our home wine stash. Some of our samples did quite well as a stand-alone sipper, but in general they were much more agreeable with food. On this evening, we tasted one white and five reds. Each was paired with a dish to complement it.
It was a treat to see the surprise on everyone’s face as they tasted the wines. I could just hear the wheels turning. Weren’t these cheap wines? Don’t Bordeaux’s have to be expensive to taste good? Well…guess this tasting cleared all that silliness away. These were good wines at affordable prices. Period.
Read on to find out our favorite Bordeaux’s and the dishes that best paired with them. Then you should get out from behind your computer and run to your local wine store to grab a bunch of them.
For addititional information on Bordeaux Wines: www.planet-bordeaux.com
Reviewers: Ken Barnes Karsten Boone, Linda Kissam, Todd Montgomery, Roger Paige, Lisa Vinton and Scott Vinton
Affordable Bordeaux’s
- 2009 Chateau Ballan-Larquette Blanc –50 % Sav Blanc, 50% Semillon, $15: Food pairing: Spicy lime grilled shrimp, ginger cookies, and Bobotie (A South African Meat Pie). Wine: Crisp lime, lemon, pink grapefruit, slight mandarin orange and mineral notes. A #2 favorite with the writers and a top pick for the consumer members Lisa and Scott Vinton.
French Brownies
- 2010 Chateau Monet – Bordeaux, $13. Food pairing – goes well with brownies and a variety of cheeses . Wine: Medium-bodied wine is somewhat fruity but smooth and has a slight touch of earth that is typical of red wines from this region of France. Fell flat at the mid palate.
- 2010 Chateau Couronneau, $13. Food pairing: Stuffed Portabello’s. Wine: French style but with a splash of New World richness. This wine comes from a very dynamic and forward-thinking estate that’s one of the critic’s favorites. Has a great nose and some wonderfully cherry-berry summer fruits from the merlot grape. Barrel ageing gives it a creamy texture and sweet attack on the palate. Organic and made from small yields.
Todd’s Irish Stew
- 4. Chateau Le Grand Verdus 2009 Bordeaux Superieur , $13: Food pairing was provided by MWC member Todd. “My dish is an Irish Stew recipe from SC Cellars. A country dish with lamb/yukon potatoes/carrots/sweet pepper/Guinness Beer/peas, etc. Not quite French, but similar to French stews from the countryside of the Bordeaux region. One cup each please, no fighting for more. “ Wine: Predominately Merlot with 30 Percent Cabernet. Complex, earthy, touch of lavender, Tempranillo like. Serve around the family dinner table. This is a fruity wine with the aromas of fresh fruit, spices and licorice. A group favorite coming in at #3.
Lisa’s Ragout
- 5. 2010 Chateau La Croix de Roche Bordeaux Superieur Rouge, France, $8: Food pairing: Beef and Vegetable Ragout: Wine: Let it breathe or you’ll be put off by it. Once it has opened up, it’s easier to enjoy. Think hints of spice, mint, chocolate, candied red fruit, bell pepper and smoked meat. The recipe can be found here.
Karsten’s Bobotie – A South African meat pie
6. 2009 Chateau Saint Antoine Bordeaux Superieur –$15. 65 % Merlot, 35 % Cabernet Franc. Interestingly this wine and the food served with it was both the writer’s and consumer member’s #1 choice. Food Pairing: “Bobotie”, which is a South African meat pie. Wine: Lush with juicy black fruit, rose petals and violet notes. Great for richly flavored dishes featuring red meat or mushrooms, and excellent with stews. A true star.
