Looking for great value and impressive wines? The French Winophiles are virtually touring the region of Bordeaux, France and sharing our favorite wine selections. Bordeaux is located off the Eastern Atlantic Coast about 300 miles from Paris. It is also the largest wine region in France. The Bordeaux region has approximately 60 appellations and produces just about any kind of wine you are looking for from everyday to special occasion reds, dry whites, Crémant and outstanding Sauternes. Some of the most sought after wines in the world are from Bordeaux -Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, Château Haut-Brion, Château Mouton-Rothschild,Château d’Yquem to name just a few.
Don’t let those heavy hitters deter you from Bordeaux wines. You can find some great values in Bordeaux wines with a little effort. Wine Folly has a great article “Discover Bordeaux Wine Region with 4 Tips” if hunting out bargain wines is something you enjoy, otherwise I suggest talking to your favorite wine merchant and finding out what they recommend. Many of the well known winemakers have second labels and you can find some great wines at a fraction of the price.
Our selection this month of 2001 Clos Du Marquis, Saint Julien, Château Leoville Las Cases was selected by the staff at K&L Wine Merchants and retails for $59.99/bottle. The staff member who assisted us told us that 2001 was an overlooked year which created some great values on quality wine. Clos Du Marquis wine is from the Left Bank Region of Bordeaux in the Saint-Julien appellation. This wine has a higher Merlot base which gives this red blend added richness and finesse. The color is a vibrant ruby-red. The wine is fresh, with subtle fruit that did not overwhelm the wine. It is feminine and elegant in style. There are hints of violet, cocoa and tobacco. Clos du Marquis is a balanced wine with structured tannins and low acidity. This is a beautiful wine that is drinking well now and special occasion worthy.
The food pairing went a little sideways this month. I blame it on Jeff from foodwineclick. This past month he was in France and kept posting all these fabulous photos of Burgundy. What can I say, I had Burgundy on my mind and my first pairing was a Spice-Roasted Coquelets (aka Cornish Game Hens). Fortunately, before I opened our bottle of wine I realized the cookbook page was open to the Burgundy section. Our do-over pairing was steak. You can’t go wrong with Bordeaux and steak!
Here’s what the group has put together for you –
Camilla from Culinary Adventures with Camilla shares “Coquilles Saint-Jacques with Château de Chantegrive Graves Cuvée Caroline”
David from Cooking Chat brings “Bordeaux Braised Beef”
Jeff from foodwineclick shares “Bordeaux Entrée: Mouclade de Moules & Chateau Les Bertrands”
Michelle from Rockin Red Blog is sharing “Oh Bordeaux You’re So Fine”
Sarah from Curious Cuisiniere brings us “Haricots Verts (Green Beans) Amandine paired with White Bordeaux”
Wendy from A Day in the Life on a Farm spices things up with “Indian Spiced Beef Bordeaux and a 2010 Chateau Dumas Cenot
Christy from Confessions of a Culinary Diva shares “Bordeaux by way of Burgundy”
Don’t forget to join the live Twitter Chat Saturday at 8 am PST/11 am EST hosted by Jeff from foodwineclick using #winophiles. Aurevoir!
Join us for our upcoming events: December 19 Champagne – January 16 Burgundy – February 20 Alsace
Now, now, throwing a fellow blogger under the bus for a pairing choice? 🙂 yes, I’d say steak was a better choice for the Bordeaux!
I love that you blamed Jeff! Too funny. And you’re too good. I would have gone with it, wrong wine and all…and enjoyed every morsel. Can’t wait to try this.
If it’s because I’m in Europe, you can throw me under the bus anytime! I enjoyed your oops, we had one too. Started out with both an entree and plat (steak). However, I filled the entire first floor of our house with smoke first, then steam. I’m still trying to figure out how to write that one up!
Definitely cannot go wrong with Bordeaux and steak! You really can find value Bordeauxs if you know the secrets. In my article “The Beauty of Bordeaux” I break down how to successfully select inexpensive Bordeauxs! Cheers!
You know, I always thought that Jeff was a troublemaker LOL. Great post Christy.
We’re all living vicariously through Jeff and his trip. That’s too funny that it came out in you pairing!