{"id":19749,"date":"2021-02-15T19:29:52","date_gmt":"2021-02-15T18:29:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/?p=19749"},"modified":"2022-11-01T16:16:42","modified_gmt":"2022-11-01T15:16:42","slug":"bordeaux-wines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/2021\/02\/15\/bordeaux-wines\/","title":{"rendered":"Initiate yourself with the wide plurality of the Bordeaux wines!"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"Have you ever enjoyed some Bordeaux wines? Enjoying an international reputation, this is also the largest vineyard appellation in France and one counting a huge list among the most famous classified domains.  <\/strong><\/div>\n
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Nonetheless, this vineyard holds multiple facets, starring varied soils organized around three river axes, so to say the Garonne, the Dordogne, all melt into their common estuary of the Gironde river.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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This variety of landscapes and colors naturally offer all types of wine, often developed from a blend from two until five grape varieties, completing each other. <\/strong>For instance, we invite you to get into this range of several grape varieties, able to constitute brilliant juices, such as Merlot, Cabernet-Franc and Cabernet-Sauvignon, along Semillon and Sauvignon.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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In addition to the regional appellations, we can as well distinguish two main territories located in the left bank of the Garonne (hosting M\u00e9doc and Graves appellations) and the right bank (hosting Libournais, Blayais-Bourgeais and Entre-deux-Mers appellations). On top of that, don’t miss a selection of sweet wines to be explored around the Ciron, another river throwing into the Garonne.<\/strong> By AL & AP<\/em><\/div>\n
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Does it look like an aurora borealis?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We start our Bordeaux<\/strong> wine tour with the wide Graves<\/strong> and Sauternes<\/strong> appellation, stretching from the south of Bordeaux<\/strong> until Langon<\/strong>, bordering the Garonne<\/strong> river and the immense pine forest<\/strong> of the Landes<\/strong>, serving as a natural protection. Baptized in the Middle Ages<\/strong> as Graves<\/strong> in reference to the gravel<\/strong> soil favorable to development of premium vineyards<\/strong>, also starring pebbles<\/strong>, flint<\/strong> and other stony<\/strong> debris deposited for a very long time in and around, by the Garonne<\/strong> river.<\/p>\n

A diversity of elements as well perceptible in the production of great wines able to gain prestige and finesse with time passing by, through structured but powerful red wines<\/strong> and elegant dry white wines<\/strong>, notably represented by the sublime sweet wines of Sauternes<\/strong>, such as the notorious Ch\u00e2teau d’Yquem<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

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\"\"Then, let’s go through the prestigious Saint-Julien<\/strong> appellation, cultivated over the communes of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle<\/strong>, Cussac-Fort-M\u00e9doc<\/strong> and Saint-Laurent-M\u00e9doc<\/strong> in the M\u00e9doc<\/strong>, as one of the communal  subdivisions of the M\u00e9doc<\/strong> vineyard. Situated in the south part of Pauillac <\/strong>and in the on the left bank of the Gironde<\/strong> estuary, this territory shares a common history with all the appellations of the M\u00e9doc <\/strong>(photo credits: Leoville Poyferr\u00e9).<\/p>\n

This vineyard<\/strong> is established on a sedimentary rock<\/strong>, spread on a homogeneous surface covered by countless pebbles<\/strong>, whose subsoil<\/strong> hides a variety of elements enriching the wine<\/strong> cultivation. For your information, the grape varieties<\/strong> used in this terroir<\/strong><\/em> are identical to those found throughout the M\u00e9doc<\/strong>, mainly starring dominant Cabernet-Sauvignon<\/strong>, Cabernet-Franc<\/strong>, Merlot<\/strong>, Malbec<\/strong>, Petit Verdot<\/strong> and Carm\u00e9n\u00e8re<\/strong>. Moreover, the wine<\/strong> style of this appellation<\/strong> is mostly shared between southern wines<\/strong>, which are more supple and feminine, close to Margaux<\/strong> wine. In the other hand, the northern wines<\/strong> are regarded as more powerful and full-bodied (L\u00e9oville Poyferr\u00e9<\/strong><\/a>, for example), close to Pauillac<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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\"\"\"\"Therefore, if you enjoy history tales, you surely won\u2019t be disappointed with the Ch\u00e2teau L\u00e9oville Poyferr\u00e9<\/strong><\/a> past, starting in 1638 and being officially inaugurated in 1840 when the Baron Jean-Marie de Poyferr\u00e9<\/strong> attached his surname to the native L\u00e9oville<\/strong> domain, before becoming a Second Grand Cru Class\u00e9<\/strong> in 1855.<\/p>\n

Ideally settled in Saint-Julien<\/strong>, renown as one of the most intimate communal appellations of the M\u00e9doc<\/strong> but originally stretched from the Ch\u00e2teau Beychevelle<\/strong> vineyard until the Ch\u00e2teau Latour<\/strong> in Pauillac<\/strong>, the exploitation has been divided since into three parts which are L\u00e9oville Poyferr\u00e9<\/strong>, L\u00e9oville Barton<\/strong> and L\u00e9oville Las Cases<\/strong>. Formerly one of the largest and oldest properties in the M\u00e9doc<\/strong>, the Ch\u00e2teau L\u00e9oville Poyferr\u00e9<\/strong> is now nestled in a pleasant area, polished by the incessant waves of the Garonne<\/strong> river, feeding this internationally acclaimed terroir<\/em> of Saint-Julien<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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\"\"\"\"Anchored and shaped by the wishes of nature, the 920 hectares of this notorious appellation<\/strong> evolved in many facets, but gathering a common framework, a grave soil, offering a rich diversity in this terroir<\/em><\/strong>, thanks to its plural palette to compose their wines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

As far as we know, the Ch\u00e2teau L\u00e9oville Poyferr\u00e9<\/strong> extends on several plots, on a surface of 80 hectares, including an entire vineyard (aged of 38 years in average) of 20 hectares, intended for the production of the Ch\u00e2teau Moulin Riche<\/strong>. On top of that, for more green commitment, the Ch\u00e2teau L\u00e9oville Poyferr\u00e9<\/strong> decided in 2016 to integrate the Environmental Management System<\/strong> dedicated for Bordeaux<\/strong> wines<\/strong>, notably encouraging them to improve their daily good practices and even being lately rewarded by the highest third level of the High Environmental Value<\/strong> certification, for its entire vineyard<\/strong> and occurring from the 2017 vintage<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

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Time hasn’t change the place..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Conducted by Bruno Clenet<\/strong> and David Aguirre<\/strong> regarding the vineyard management, the various vineyards<\/strong> of the domain are taken care from the roots and with a limited amount of external interventions. As nature takes an important place, vines<\/strong> are pruned using the traditional method, known as Double Guyot<\/strong>, which allows the number of bunches<\/strong> to be controlled. Thus, this process allows to increase the longevity of their vines<\/strong> while reducing the risk of wood disease. Further phenolic<\/strong> and technological analyzes<\/strong> are completed and support the regular verifications of grapes<\/strong>, leading especially before harvest time.<\/p>\n

Once in the winery<\/strong>, all of the grapes<\/strong> are manually harvested and sorted in two main steps, in order to only to keep the best ones that would have the chance to join their different vats<\/strong>, respectively by grape<\/strong> variety and by plot<\/strong>. Nonetheless, in order to fully exploit and appreciate all the diversity of their vineyard<\/strong>, this vat<\/strong> room is equipped with 57 temperature-controlled stainless steel vats<\/strong>, and even 27 of them are double-walled<\/strong> for an optimal cold pre-fermentation maceration<\/strong>, enhancing the purity and the aromatic intensity of their precious juices<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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The actual version of the domain..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As you may have understood, this strategic complement is mandatory before the crucial stage of alcoholic<\/strong> fermentation, when each vat is guided day after day on the way to climb the full potential of their wines<\/strong>. Under the supervision of Isabelle Davin<\/strong> (oenologist of the Ch\u00e2teau<\/strong>) and Didier Thomann<\/strong> (cellar master), all the parameters (temperature, quantity of oxygen, etc) would be ready to accompany these wines<\/strong> for 18 months, in French oak barrels<\/strong>. By the way, some of these new barrels<\/strong> are used for malolactic<\/strong> fermentation, necessary to get a certain general stability and flexibility, especially at the next step of assemblage<\/strong><\/em>. In this case, the oenology<\/strong> team has the tight role to find the perfect wedding between the singular personality of their different plots<\/strong>, into the most emblematic partition of the Ch\u00e2teau L\u00e9oville Poyferr\u00e9<\/strong> identity.<\/p>\n

Throughout this aging, traditional rackings<\/strong> follow one another to gently refine and stabilize their blends<\/strong>. The last unruly tannins<\/strong> would eventually soften thanks to a traditional egg white<\/strong> fining. Like a jewel<\/strong>, their wines<\/strong> are thus finely polished to restore all their brilliance.<\/p>\n

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..full of this Cabernet Sauvignon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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For example, the Millesime 2014<\/em><\/strong> proudly developed by the Ch\u00e2teau L\u00e9oville Poyferre<\/strong> is the quintessence of the Saint-Julien<\/strong> appellation protected in a brilliant bottle. Displaying an explicit tannic<\/strong> structure, over an explosive aromatic<\/strong> expression, full of intense<\/strong> notes of black cherry, blackberry<\/strong> and cedar<\/strong>, before conveying to an explicit balsamic<\/strong> and mineral<\/strong> touch, recalling the siliceous properties of the subsoil of a vineyard<\/strong> (mainly aged of 34 years), rich in clay<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Set in a purplish dark and shiny robe with some random blue reflections in your glass, this elixir<\/strong> is luckily composed of a successful wedding between 60% of Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong>, 35% of Merlot<\/strong>, 2% of Petit Verdot<\/strong>, 3% of Cabernet Franc<\/strong>. This complexity would easily let you keep this jewel between 5 and 10 years but don\u2019t hesitate (like many Bordeaux<\/strong> wines) to open it heart to you in an elegant carafe<\/strong><\/em>, preferably one hour before sharing its soul.<\/p>\n

Once in mouth, you would be undoubtedly pleased to unveil the quite spicy but smooth contents of a full-bodied<\/strong> blend of red<\/strong> fruits and even white pepper<\/strong>, emanating from this authentic classified Second Cru<\/strong>. An expression somehow symbolizing the best of its fruity<\/strong> and tannin<\/strong> assets, displayed in a full length.<\/p>\n

Icing on the cake, whether you are just getting to know wine<\/strong> or are an enlightened enthusiast, take the time to book your next multi-lingual visit<\/strong> of the domain, notably through different themed tastings<\/strong>. Request your visit by email<\/strong><\/a>, more information on the official website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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..to protect the integrity for ages.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A stamp made forever..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Still in Saint-Julien<\/strong>, we are glad to introduce you a Grand Cru Class\u00e9<\/strong> settled in 1855, unless the first owner of the estate Jean-Baptiste Braneyre<\/strong> had initiated from 1680 the potential of the superb gravel terroirs<\/em><\/strong> located a stone’s throw from the Gironde<\/strong> river estuary.. In this case, the Ch\u00e2teau Branaire-Ducru<\/strong><\/a> is one of the famous names of the Saint-Julien<\/strong> appellation. Owned by Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier Maroteaux<\/strong>, but managed by Jean-Dominique Videau<\/strong>, this Ch\u00e2teau Branaire-Ducru<\/strong> offers, time after time, an emblematic expression of this great terroir<\/em><\/strong> of the left bank of Bordeaux<\/strong> with a couple of renowned Millesimes<\/em><\/strong>. <\/p>\n

The Ch\u00e2teau Branaire-Ducru<\/strong> vineyard covers 60 hectares, lately expanded of 10 hectares in 2009, whose vines<\/strong> are aged of 35 on average, even some of them are 100 years old. Planted on quaternary gravel<\/strong>-siliceous alluvial soils<\/strong>, recognized as really fertile terroirs<\/em><\/strong> in the region, allowing late grape varieties<\/strong> to develop while ensuring some suitable phenolic<\/strong> maturation, for an elegant and velvety wine<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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\"\"By the way, a part of the vineyard<\/strong> including young vines <\/strong>(aged less than fifteen years old), are specially dedicated to the development of the Duluc de Branaire-Ducru<\/strong> cuv\u00e9e<\/strong>, the second wine<\/strong> range of Ch\u00e2teau Branaire-Ducru <\/strong>which is supposed to be more accessible, while respecting the house signature<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Mostly guided by predominantly Cabernet-Sauvignon<\/strong> blends, the wines<\/strong> of the Ch\u00e2teau Branaire-Ducru<\/strong><\/a> express a regular character, defined around a strong presence of fruit<\/strong>, freshness and complexity. It is precisely the major focus of the team’s work to specify, for each vintage, the style and the Branaire-Ducru<\/strong> signature, largely inscribed in the elegance and spirit of Saint-Julien<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Regarding the vineyard<\/strong> work aims to offer a prominent place in Cabernet-Sauvignon<\/strong> a precise image of the Branaire-Ducru<\/strong> terroirs<\/em>, for a better complexity, fresh<\/strong> character and fruitful<\/strong> aspect to their wines<\/strong>, whatever the year. Moreover, a manual harvest<\/strong> is operated on the entire vineyard<\/strong> after a further analyze.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Supported by the oenologist \u00c9ric Boissenot<\/strong>, the collected juice<\/strong> is then conserved in stainless and thermo-regulated steel tanks<\/strong>, of different sizes adapted to each plot, under a fermentation<\/strong> temperature of 26-28\u00b0C. Thereafter, a maceration<\/strong> period of 3 and 4 weeks would follow, adapted to each part of harvest<\/strong>, expressing the aromatic<\/strong> potential of these various grapes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In this homogeneous and successful batch of Saint-Julien<\/strong>, the practice of sustainable<\/strong> cultivation has been operated in the vineyard<\/strong> by limiting or even eliminating certain fertilizers. On top of that, a total renovation<\/strong> of the cellars was even carried out in 1992, in order to invest into a more modern equipment, such as the vat<\/strong> room ensuring the flow of wine<\/strong> by gravity. This process restrains any pumping<\/strong>, in order to preserve the characteristics of the fruit<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Icing on the cake, you would fortunately find the same style between the Branaire-Ducru<\/strong> and Duluc de Branaire-Ducru <\/strong>signatures. <\/p>\n

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ngg_shortcode_2_placeholder\"\"\"\"In this case, the Millesime 2016<\/em><\/strong> of Duluc de Branaire-Ducru <\/strong>still relies more on young vines<\/strong> of Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong> and Merlot<\/strong>, whose harvest is matured for 12 months in French<\/strong> oak barrels<\/strong>. This vintage<\/strong> embodies in a way the perfect climatic conditions of that generous year. Indeed, the spring<\/strong> was well watered and accompanied by a beautiful flowering<\/strong>, allowing a beautiful vegetative balance of the vines<\/strong>. In addition to this, it even occurred some effective water constraints<\/strong> leading to the enrichment of the grapes<\/strong>, with a bunch of phenolic<\/strong> compounds, along a real aromatic<\/strong> construction of this wine<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Thereafter, if you dare open this bottle<\/strong>, you would first notice a real complexity of aromas<\/strong> of red fruits<\/strong> in the fragrance<\/strong>, complemented by floral aromas<\/strong> coupled with certain spices<\/strong>. Once in mouth, take the time to appreciate the undeniable roundness<\/strong> and suppleness<\/strong> of this juice, preceding a long and aromatic<\/strong> final note. This specific vintage developed by Duluc de Branaire-Ducru<\/strong> could and sometimes should be enjoyed over a long period after your acquisition.<\/p>\n

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\"\"\"\"In comparison and still following the great climatic<\/strong> conditions of 2016 which were particularly favorable to the construction of a quality vintage<\/strong>, let’s discover the the Millesime 2016<\/em><\/strong> of Branaire-Ducru<\/strong>. This masterpiece of the mother house<\/strong><\/em>, reflects the dry and sunny weather that emerged in the summer of that fertile year.<\/p>\n

This elegant wine<\/strong> composed a main portion of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong> and 27% Merlot<\/strong>, shows a very deep color, a very expressive complex fragrance<\/strong> of very ripe black fruits<\/strong>, combining all the richness, precision and freshness awaited by any Bordeaux wines<\/strong> enthusiast. Furthermore, this elixir<\/strong><\/em> wears an authentic homogeneity highlighted by a spicy<\/strong> mood and adorned with some black pepper<\/strong> happily married with these notes of black fruit <\/strong>and tobacco<\/strong>. Then,  a set of extremely fine tannins <\/strong>get unveiled, before a long and aromatic length in mouth. <\/p>\n

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\"\"As far as we know, we recommend you to serve this wine<\/strong> at a temperature of circa 18\u00b0C, preferably after a decanting<\/strong> period of at least one hour in a carafe<\/strong><\/em>, in order to better liberate its aromatic<\/strong> expression. Otherwise, if you have more time and patience, don’t hesitate to open it in a few years (even some decades), for example from 2023 and you could naturally discover from it more complexity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Last but not least, the Branaire-Ducru<\/strong><\/a> wines have been served for more than 10 years in the 1st class flights <\/strong>operated by the Cathay Pacific<\/strong> airline company. That’s why, Cathay Pacific<\/strong> organized a competition to find to Branaire-Ducru<\/strong> a Chinese<\/strong> name, which was lately announced as Zhou Botong<\/strong>. For your information, Zhou Botong<\/strong> is a character in Kung Fu<\/strong> novels and television series (photo credits: Cathay Pacific).<\/p>\n

More information on the official website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Thereafter, don’t miss the global Haut-M\u00e9doc<\/strong> appellation, whose production area covers twenty-nine municipalities located at the northern part of Bordeaux<\/strong>. Of Haut-M\u00e9doc<\/strong>‘s fifteen wine<\/strong>-producing communes, eight are located along the waterfront of Garonne<\/strong> and Gironde<\/strong>: Blanquefort<\/strong>, Parempuyre<\/strong>, Ludon<\/strong>, Macau<\/strong>, Arcins<\/strong>, Lamarque<\/strong>, Cussac<\/strong> and Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne<\/strong>, while seven communes lie inland: Le Taillan<\/strong>, Le Pian-M\u00e9doc<\/strong>, Avensan<\/strong>, Saint-Laurent-M\u00e9doc<\/strong>. Saint-Sauveur<\/strong>, Cissac<\/strong> and Vertheuil<\/strong>. Few of the estates falling within the generic Haut-M\u00e9doc<\/strong> appellation were included in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification<\/strong> of 1855 (as all but six of the 61 are located within the AOCs<\/strong> Margaux<\/strong>, Saint-Julien<\/strong>, Pauillac<\/strong> and Saint-Est\u00e8phe<\/strong>), but several were included in the Cru Bourgeois<\/strong> classification.<\/p>\n

In this territory, we can notice the Crus Bourgeois<\/strong>, which are mainly found there around the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du M\u00e9doc<\/strong>, belonging to 60% of the production in the Haut-M\u00e9doc<\/strong> and in comparison, 36% in the M\u00e9doc<\/strong>. For your information, this classification corresponds to a distinction between these premium Bordeaux<\/strong> wines which never accessed to the status of classified Grands Crus<\/strong> in 1855, but benefits from the system of traditional<\/strong> terms.<\/p>\n

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After sipping your wine, flower it!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thereafter, why not having a look at the Ch\u00e2teau Landat<\/strong> <\/a>which has been listed as a wine property<\/strong> since 1881, and quickly recognized as a genuine Cru Bourgeois<\/strong> in 1908, already at the time due to its charming and elegant wines<\/strong>. Run since the 1970s by the Fabre<\/strong> family, settled in the Haut-M\u00e9doc<\/strong> and Margaux<\/strong> appellations, in the heart of the left bank of Bordeaux<\/strong>. Associated with Florence<\/strong>, his wife, Vincent Fabre<\/strong> ensures the overall management of these so-called Domaines Fabre<\/strong>, joined in 2013, by M\u00e9lanie<\/strong> at the head of the property<\/strong>, followed in 2017 by her husband Nicolas<\/strong> and Jean-Hubert<\/strong>, the youngest of the siblings. Thus, this domain is located on the northern part of the village of Cissac<\/strong> and over the plateau of Vertheuil<\/strong>, in the heart of the Haut-M\u00e9doc<\/strong> appellation. Therefore, the soils of the vineyards<\/strong> (with an average age of 30 years) are mainly composed of clayey gravel<\/strong> and sands<\/strong>, spread on a surface of 14 hectares, where are cultivated 60% of Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong>, 35% of Black Merlot<\/strong> and 5% of Petit Verdot<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Moreover, the Ch\u00e2teau Landat<\/strong><\/a> tends to respect as much as possible its vines thanks to a series of sustainable<\/strong> processes (granted by the Haute Valeur Environnementale <\/strong>label), such as the preservation of the inner biodiversity<\/strong>, limitation of water consumption in the vat<\/b>, grassing <\/strong>between two vine<\/strong> rows (to restrict the vigor of the vine<\/strong>), along a cautious mechanical harvest <\/strong>but manual grape sorting<\/strong>, in order to obtain a constant and perceptible quality of the juice<\/strong> (photo credits: Green Bottle Glass<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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You shall host this wine in a carafe<\/em>, 30 minutes before serving it!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once again, we find here a fermentation<\/strong> obtained through a micro-oxygenation<\/strong> operated in specific vats<\/strong>, reinforcing the inner tannic<\/strong> structure and chromatic intensity of their wines<\/strong>, where the pure tradition of M\u00e9doc<\/strong> is respected. Indeed, their wines<\/strong> are commonly aged for 12 months (for sure depending on the Millesime<\/em><\/strong>) in authentic oak barrels<\/strong>, after a long maceration between 3 to 4 weeks. These oak barrels<\/strong> come from 5 and 6 different coopers<\/strong> and French<\/strong> woods, of which 20% to 30% of the cuv\u00e9es<\/strong><\/em> are made with new wood<\/strong>, showing more or less marked differences according to the material. Moreover, in order to clarify their wines<\/strong> and provide them with the optimal oxygen<\/strong> necessary for their aging<\/strong>, regular rackings<\/strong> are planned according to the tastings<\/strong> carried out by their technical team (photo credits: An Moons<\/a>).<\/p>\n

In this case, we are glad to introduce you the Millesime 2016<\/strong><\/em> of this Ch\u00e2teau Landat<\/strong> dressed in a visible shimmering<\/strong> color. By the way, this is their first wine<\/strong> labelled with the HVE<\/strong> certification, that’s maybe why it wears a fine and elegant perfume<\/strong> revealing some toasty<\/strong> aromas of black fruit<\/strong> and nougatine<\/strong>. Adding to this, once in mouth, don\u2019t miss a supple and fleshy expression<\/strong>, starring an harmonious aromatic<\/strong> persistence. Time after time, this Ch\u00e2teau Landat<\/strong> edition would undoubtedly keep on amazing you by developing tertiary aromas of musk<\/strong>, in parallel of notable woody<\/strong> nuances.<\/p>\n

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Icing on the cake, this charming red wine<\/strong> is recommended to be associated with some red meat<\/strong>, and fine cheeses<\/strong>, whether you prefer to consume it in a regular bottle<\/strong>, a magnum<\/strong>, a double magnum<\/strong>, an Imperial<\/strong> or even a Nebuchadnezzar<\/strong> size!<\/p>\n

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\"\"Adding to this, the Domaines Fabre<\/strong> has also invested the Margaux<\/strong> appellation, also known as the first of the six communal appellations of the M\u00e9doc<\/strong>, while remaining the largest one. Otherwise, this is the first one you could cross after leaving Bordeaux<\/strong>, whose vineyards<\/strong> are located on the edge of the Garonne<\/strong>, at the height of the Bec d’Amb\u00e8s<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
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For your information, this appellation is not limited to the village of Margaux<\/strong>, but as well extends through four neighboring communes, Arsac<\/strong> in the west, Cantenac<\/strong> and Labarde<\/strong> in the center and Soussans<\/strong> in the north. While the most famous castles<\/strong> tend to gather around the core of Margaux<\/strong>, where the vineyard<\/strong> is very fragmented, such as the Ch\u00e2teaux Margaux<\/strong> and Palmer<\/strong>, in order to better adapt each grape variety<\/strong> to the geological and climatic characteristics of these endless plots<\/strong>. By the way, the Margaux<\/strong> wines are considered as ones of the most delicate wines<\/strong> of the M\u00e9doc<\/strong>, expressing a delicate expression, full of supple and fruity aromas<\/strong>. On top of that, these wines<\/strong> commonly wear a dark<\/strong> color, displaying woody<\/strong>, roasted<\/strong> and liquorice<\/strong> notes, before preparing a  smooth finish<\/strong>. Don’t forget that the Margaux<\/strong> juices are able to mature more quickly than its neighbors from Pauillac<\/strong> or Saint-Julien<\/strong>, and they are dedicated to be kept for a long time.<\/div>\n
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Observe these different shades of red…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In this ocean of jewels, the Domaines Fabre<\/strong> own the Ch\u00e2teau Bellevue de Tayac<\/strong><\/a>, where is produced a Cru Bourgeois<\/strong> elaborated in the AOC Margaux<\/strong> criteria, proving an exceptional quality. Therefore, we invite you to take some time to visit this lovely property<\/strong> of 4.5 hectares, composed of a charming vineyard<\/strong> spread over the commune of Soussans<\/strong>. This location benefits from mild conditions, within a favorable microclimate<\/strong> for the development of the precious vines<\/strong>, certified High Environmental Value<\/strong> since the 2018 vintage. As far as we know, this unique terroir<\/strong><\/em> is essentially made up of gravelly hilltops<\/strong>, reminiscent of a clay<\/strong> subsoil (photo credits: Domaines Fabre). <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The vineyards<\/strong> rest on a gravel<\/strong> and clay <\/strong>basis, the soil<\/strong> of which is worked to promote rooting<\/strong>. The harvest<\/strong> is manually operated with the grapes<\/strong> which are picked at an optimal maturity and harvested in crates. Then, the vinification<\/strong> takes place, after a precise grape<\/strong> sorting, in stainless steel vats<\/strong> for the Merlot<\/strong> and Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong>, and in barrels for the Petits Verdots<\/strong>. Thereafter, 4 weeks of maceration<\/strong> follow after a controlled fermentation<\/strong>, fully aged in recent oak barrels<\/strong> during a period between 16 and 18 months. The omnipresent care required throughout this cautious production process, confers to these Ch\u00e2teau Bellevue de Tayac<\/strong> wines a very beautiful Margaux <\/strong>spirit, which both offer a certain density and freshness.<\/div>\n
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\"\"\"\"As you can see here in the Ch\u00e2teau Bellevue de Tayac<\/strong>, there’s no real castle<\/strong> but a winery<\/strong> facade, composed of an alloy between gilded copper<\/strong> and stainless steel<\/strong> slats. This avant-garde<\/em> trellis<\/strong> reflects countless multicolored facets, able to evolve time after time, whether there is clouds or sunshine over its surrounding vegetation<\/strong>. A perfect transition to introduce you the Millesime 2016<\/em><\/strong>, always proud to show you its black<\/strong> color and its explicit intense scents<\/strong> of toast<\/strong> and very ripe blackcurrant<\/strong>. Then, you would be undoubtedly seduced by the interesting density<\/strong> of this naturally elegant wine<\/strong>, which can offer a very pleasant fresh<\/strong> dimension. Last but not least, this acclaimed elixir<\/strong><\/em> proposes a nice length, full of fleshy and ripe tannins<\/strong>, perfect to accompany with red meat<\/strong> or fine cheeses<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
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More information on the official website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Have you ever enjoyed some Bordeaux wines? Enjoying an international reputation, this is also the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":19971,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,926],"tags":[844,1003,821,1019,604,409],"class_list":["post-19749","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gastronomy","category-nouvelle-aquitaine","tag-bordeaux","tag-bordeaux-wine","tag-grand-cru","tag-millesime","tag-organic","tag-wine"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19749","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19749"}],"version-history":[{"count":122,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19749\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34909,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19749\/revisions\/34909"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19971"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}