If you’re a wine lover, you may have come across the term “Bordeaux-style wines.” But what exactly does this mean? Are you curious about what makes them so special? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Bordeaux-style wines and analyze what is so unique about them.
What Are Bordeaux-Style Wines?
The Bordeaux region in southwest France is renowned for producing some of the world’s most celebrated wines, known for their elegance, complexity, and age-worthiness. Bordeaux-style wines are typically a blend of specific grape varieties, crafted in the style traditionally associated with this French region.
The Bordeaux Blend and its Grape Varieties
One of the defining features of Bordeaux-style wines is the blend of grape varieties used in their production. The classic Bordeaux blend typically includes several grape varieties, each contributing its own characteristics to the final wine. The primary grape varieties used in Bordeaux blends are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and sometimes Malbec and Carmenère. Here’s what each grape brings to the blend:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Adds structure, depth, and black fruit flavors.
- Merlot: Balances the blend with approachable fruitiness.
- Cabernet Franc: Lighter than Cab Sauv, it contributes herbal notes.
- Petit Verdot: Often used in small amounts to enhance tannins.
The primary grape varieties used in Bordeaux blends are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and sometimes Malbec and Carmenère.
Is Bordeaux All About Red Wines?
While nearly 90% of Bordeaux wines are red, White Bordeaux blends are also noteworthy but often overlooked. White Bordeaux blends typically consist of Sémillon (80%) and Sauvignon Blanc (20%), sometimes incorporating other grape varieties like Sauvignon Gris, Ugni Blanc, and Muscadelle in smaller amounts.
Characteristics of Bordeaux-Style Wines
Bordeaux-style wines are known for their balance, structure, and ageability. Key characteristics include elegant tannins that provide structure without overpowering fruit flavors, complex aromas ranging from dark fruits and spices to floral and earthy notes, and age-worthiness that allows flavors to evolve over time.
Food Pairing
Bordeaux-style wines are incredibly versatile with food, complementing a wide range of dishes from classic steak to mushroom risotto and aged cheeses. The wine’s acidity and tannic structure make it an excellent match for rich, flavorful foods.
Bordeaux-Style Wines in the United States
While Bordeaux, France, is the origin of Bordeaux-style wines, winemakers worldwide have embraced the Bordeaux blend. Regions like California and Washington produce exceptional Bordeaux-style wines, each showcasing a unique expression of this classic style.
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Enjoy Bordeaux-Style Wines at Silvara Cellars
At Silvara Cellars, we celebrate the tradition of Bordeaux winemaking by crafting our own Bordeaux-style blends that highlight Washington State’s terroir. Our approach involves blending traditional Bordeaux grape varieties to create elegant, balanced wines suitable for any occasion with excellent aging potential.
Explore our collection of Bordeaux-style wines, including our award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Woodland Goddess.
Silvara Vineyards 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Double Gold 95 Award Winner at Seattle Wine Awards (2023) Tasting Notes: Black cherry, savory herbs and cranberry greet the nose. Hints of plum and smoke integrate on your palate, finishing with hints of spice. Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Awards: Double Gold 95 Cabernet Sauvignon (Seattle Wine Awards) Pairings: It’s an incredibly versatile choice, an…
Silvara Vineyards 2020 Woodland Goddess Reserve Red Blend
Double Gold Award Winner at The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (2024) Tasting Notes: This is a ripe, generous Cab-based blend from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA that bursts with exuberant aromas of plums, black raspberries, cedar, and sweet spices like clove, allspice, cinnamon. Sip after sip, iit delivers a plush, velvety palate with flavors…
Bordeaux-style wines are a celebration of tradition from the ‘old world’ that continues to captivate wine lovers around the globe year after year. Exploring the world of Bordeaux blends is truly a delightful journey of discovery.
Now that you’ve learned what a Bordeaux-style wine is, the next time you raise a glass of these wines, take a moment to consciously savor the history and passion that go into every bottle.
Cheers to the timeless charm of Bordeaux-style wines!
Are you ready to experience the magic of Bordeaux-style wines? Visit Silvara Cellars to indulge in our hand-crafted Italian and Bordeaux-style wines. Join us on a journey of flavor, elegance, and discovery. We can’t wait to welcome you to our tasting room!
Now that you’ve learned what a Bordeaux-style wine is, the next time you raise a glass of these wines, take a moment to consciously savor the history and passion that go into every bottle.
Silvara Cellars, nestled in the heart of Washington’s wine country, continues to be at the forefront of this flourishing industry. With its commitment to producing exceptional wines and its dedication to sustainability, Silvara Cellars exemplifies the innovation and resilience of Washington State’s wine scene.
For inquiries, please contact:
Gary Seidler
Proud Owner & Winemaker
Silvara Cellars
info@silvarawine.com
509.548.1000
About Silvara Cellars
Silvara Cellars is an award-winning winery located in Leavenworth, Washington. Surrounded by the breathtaking Cascade Mountains, Silvara Cellars is well-known for producing exceptional wines in a picturesque setting. With a commitment to sustainable practices and a passion for winemaking, Silvara Cellars is at the forefront of Washington State’s thriving wine industry.