Berrys' Wine School - Bordeaux

Summary

The Bordeaux region is celebrated for its exquisite red wines, particularly distinguished by its left bank and right bank styles. The left bank, characterized by gravel soils, primarily produces Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its black currant aromas and high tannins, suitable for aging. In contrast, the right bank's clay and limestone soils favor Merlot, resulting in softer, fruitier wines that are more approachable at a younger age. This video explores the key differences between these two styles, illustrating the unique flavors and characteristics that define Bordeaux wines, making it a perfect starting point for wine enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 🍷 Bordeaux is renowned for its red wines, known for elegance and food-friendliness.
• 🌍 The region has two main styles of red Bordeaux: left bank and right bank.
• 📍 The distinction between left and right bank wines is based on geography, soil types, and grape varieties.
• 🏞️ The left bank features gravelly soils, ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in dry, heat-retaining conditions.
• 🌿 The right bank consists mainly of clay and limestone, which are cooler and moister, favoring Merlot as the dominant grape variety.
• 🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its pronounced black currant aroma and higher tannin levels, contributing to its aging potential.
• 🍑 Merlot offers a plummier character, resulting in softer wines that are more approachable at a younger age.
• 🔍 A comparison of wines from Margaux (left bank) and Saint-Émilion (right bank) illustrates the differences in flavor and structure.
• 🎶 The left bank wine typically presents black currant and cedar aromas, with a drying finish due to high tannins.
• 💧 In contrast, the right bank wine features more fruitcake notes and is generally easier to drink young.

Q & A

What is Bordeaux most famous for?

Bordeaux is most famous for its red wines, which are known for being elegant, restrained, and food-friendly.

What are the two main styles of Bordeaux red wines?

The two main styles of Bordeaux red wines are left bank and right bank.

What geographical features define the left and right banks of Bordeaux?

The left bank is everything to the south and west of the Garonne River, while the right bank is everything to the north and east of the Dordogne River.

What type of soil is predominant on the left bank of Bordeaux?

The left bank is dominated by gravel soil, which retains heat and provides excellent drainage for the vines.

Which grape variety is primarily found on the left bank, and why does it thrive there?

Cabernet Sauvignon is the primary grape variety on the left bank, thriving in dry conditions and requiring a lot of heat to ripen.

What type of soil is found on the right bank of Bordeaux?

The right bank mainly consists of clay and limestone soil, which is cooler and moister.

Which grape variety is dominant on the right bank, and what character does it impart to the wine?

Merlot is dominant on the right bank, giving the wines a plummy character and making them softer and more approachable at an earlier age.

What are the key aromatic differences between left and right bank Bordeaux wines?

Left bank wines, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, typically exhibit black currant and cedar aromas, while right bank wines, dominated by Merlot, tend to have a plummy character with hints of fruitcake.

How do the tannin levels differ between left and right bank wines?

Left bank wines tend to have higher tannin levels due to the thick skins of Cabernet Sauvignon, making them more drying on the palate. In contrast, right bank wines have lower tannin levels, resulting in a softer mouthfeel.

What are the characteristics of a wine from the commune of Margaux compared to one from Saint-Émilion?

A Margaux wine, which is Cabernet Sauvignon dominated, exhibits a drying sensation with high tannins and black currant aromas, while a Saint-Émilion wine, dominated by Merlot, is more approachable with a plummy character and a hint of fruitcake.