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Bordeaux Notes- Regional Appellations

Bordeaux is located in southwest France. It has a moderate maritime climate enjoying the warming influence of the Gulf stream. High rainfall and humidity can be a problem which leads to concerns over vintage variation. Typically, great vintages have sunny, hot and dry summers with harvest dates no earlier than late September.
The largest appellation is the basic Bordeaux AC. The majority of wines produced in this category are low to mid-priced. They can be red or white.

Mission St Vincent Sauvignon Blanc Bordeaux 2009  $13.99
Clear, pale lemon color. Clean, medium- intense,  youthful aromas of grapefruit and gooseberry. Dry, light body, medium acidity, alcohol and length with grapefruit/citrus flavors. 
Good quality/drink now.

Chateau Bellevue Rougier Bordeaux 2007 $14
Clear, medium- ruby color. Clean, medium syrupy aromas of black cherries and plum. Dry, medium body, alcohol, tannins and acidity with a diluted, almost flavorless, short finish. Not recommended.

Bordeaux Superieur covers the same area but has stricter production standards like smaller maximum yields and higher minimum alcohol levels. Red wines have a minimum 9 month aging requirement and white wines must be semi-sweet or moelleux. There is no dry, white Bordeaux Superieur.

Chateau de Macard Bordeaux Superieur 2009  $15
Clear, medium ruby color. Clean, medium developing aromas of mixed dark berries and cherries with tobacco. Dry, medium+  body, alcohol, tannins with medium acidity. The flavors mirror the nose. Good+/drink now.

Bordeaux Rose and Bordeaux Clairet are also in the regional category. The grapes for these wines may be sourced from anywhere within the region, as well.

Related Posts:
Notes from a Bordeaux Tasting
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