B is for Bordeaux!

   As we continue our alphabetical journey through the wonderful world of wine . . . "B" is for BORDEAUX.

  The pronunciation of this French wine region is an oxymoron of sorts . . . BORE, as in boring . . . and DOH, as in what Homer Simpson exclaims when something is anything but boring.

   And believe me, there's absolutely nothing boring about Bordeaux wines. In fact, the red wines of Bordeaux are considered among the finest in the entire world.

Enjoy!

Bordeaux Countryside

   Bordeaux has been described by one vino scribe as "the oenophile's Athens and Rome." The city of Bordeaux is situated in the southwest corner of France and, truth be told, isn't all that romantic. In fact, it's an inland port city that could be described as semi-industrial.

   But venture outside the city limits to the surrounding countryside, and you'll be overwhelmed by the vast stretches of vineyard land and the breathtaking chateaux in which Bordeaux's wonderful elixirs are crafted and cellared.

Separating the Best from the Rest

   In France, an "appellation controlee" system is utilized to identify the very best grape-growing areas in the country's various wine regions.

   In Bordeaux, the most important districts from a quality standpoint are:

• Medoc
• Graves
• Sauternes
• Saint-Emilion
• Pomerol

   When you see any of those names on a bottle of Bordeaux, you can be assured that the wine inside had a headstart on all other French wines. You'll know that the grapes used to make that wine came from one of the country's top growing areas.

The Best of the Best

   While all Medoc, Graves, Sauternes, Saint-Emilion and Pomerol wines are of the highest quality, the best of the best come from the Medoc.

   The Medoc is characterized by favorable soils, excellent sun exposure and rolling hills. Within the Medoc, a number of communes also are entitled to appellation controlee status. These include:

• Saint-Julien
• Saint-Estephe
• Pauillac
• Margaux

   When you see any of those names on a bottle of wine, it's as close as you'll ever come to a guarantee of quality. Vintages certainly are important, and in good vintages, the wines of the Medoc are outstanding.

Not all Bordeaux Wines are Red

   While a vast majority of Bordeaux's best bottlings are red -- normally blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other varietals -- the best wines of Sauternes are white and sweet.

   These luscious dessert wines -- made from Semillon and/or Sauvignon Blanc grapes -- not only are much sought after around the world, but also among the most ageworthy of all white wines.

   The greatest restaurants in the world take great pride in cellaring Sauternes bottlings that are several decades old.

   Bordeaux's Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes also make superb dry wines that match wonderfully with seafood.

The Bordeaux Price Conundrum

   Alas, one downside of Bordeaux's stature is the price structure of its wines. Some bottlings command hundreds of dollars upon release, and quickly escalate in value as supplies are depleted.

   But there are relative bargains to be found amidst the annual releases, and ACWC works hard to bring some of these affordable wines to members. It takes a great deal of spelunking through cellars, and staying one step ahead of importers and retailers, but we've found the palate rewards to be worth the search.