Crémant de Bordeaux is a French appellation for white and rosé sparkling wines that are made from typical Bordeaux grapes such as Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, or Merlot. The wines are produced with traditional method (méthode traditionelle) in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle.
White crémants usually have aromas of hazelnuts, white flowers, citrus, and dried fruits, while rosés tend to display aromas of red berries. These fresh wines make a great aperitif, but they can also match desserts and cheese, while white wines may pair well with seafood.
Very special Cognac is the youngest that is allowed on the market. It must be aged for at least three years, with the reference date being October 1. The fresh and lively character of these labels makes them an excellent option for cocktails and mixed drinks.
This classic Bordeaux drink combines fresh milk from Lot-et-Garonne, cocoa, and sugar. It was first created in 1952, and it is still produced following the original secret recipe. The drink was first sold from the back of the vans that were driving across the country and was originally exclusively sold in glass bottles.
In the following years, it became widely available in grocery stores and the company soon introduced can and carton packaging. Apart from the classic flavor, Cacolac also comes in hazelnut-praline and caramel variety. Nowadays, it is widely available throughout the country.
Sauvignon Blanc is a widely cultivated white grape variety known for producing crisp, aromatic, and refreshing wines. Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, Sauvignon Blanc is now grown in many wine regions worldwide, including New Zealand, California, Chile, South Africa, and Australia.
Sauvignon Blanc wines are typically light to medium-bodied and are renowned for their high acidity and vibrant flavor profile. The grape's aromatic qualities often lead to distinctive aromas of green apple, lime, gooseberry, and passion fruit, with herbal notes such as freshly cut grass, green bell pepper, and nettles.
VARIATIONS OF Sauvignon Blanc
Haut-Médoc is a French appellation located in the renowned Médoc wine region. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc are the signature grapes in the region, but some percentages of Malbec, Carménère and Petit Verdot are also used.
The whole appellation includes twenty-nine communes, out which six (Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Moulis and Listrac) have their separate appellations, and are considered to produce some of the best wines in the world. The wines produced under the general Haut-Médoc label are elegant, complex and not overpowering.
Margaux is a French appellation located in Médoc region of Bordeaux. The wines produced in the region are mainly based on Cabernet Sauvignon with the addition of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, or Petit Verdot. Margaux wines are often dubbed as the most elegant and perfumed in the entire Bordeaux, while their aromatic profile tends to display a combination of floral and red fruit aromas that are complemented by nuances of spices, tobacco, and truffles.
Although full-bodied, these wines tend to be lighter, smoother, and mellower than other Bordeaux appellations. They naturally pair with lamb, but they can also match other roasted or braised meat dishes, as well as roasted game. The most famous estates from the area are Château Margaux and Château Palmer.
Sémillon is a dry white wine made from Sémillon grapes. Although native to Bordeaux, the grapes are widely grown in Australia in the Hunter Valley, and to a lesser extent in South Africa, Chile, California, Canada, and New Zealand.
After Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, Sémillon is the 3rd most planted white wine variety in France. The wine is characterized by its fruity flavors of apple, lemon, green papaya, and pear. The flavor is also waxy, which is often described as lanolin.
This classic French brandy is distilled from grapes in order to produce eau-de-vie, which is then aged and blended to make cognac. The drink originated when it was revealed that eau-de-vie brandy of the Charente region develops different and more sophisticated flavors when aged in oak casks.
Since its introduction to the global market, cognac became a sought-after drink, especially enjoyed by the British aristocracy. With the influx of low-quality drinks that were marketed as cognac, it was necessary to control its production. In 1936, cognac was regulated by the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), which restricted its production to six different terroirs and the area that includes the entire department of the Charente-Maritime, most of the department of Charente, and small parts of the Deux-Sèvres and Dordogne.
VARIATIONS OF Cognac
Merlot is one of the most widely planted and popular red wine grape varieties in the world. Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, Merlot is known for producing soft, elegant, and fruit-forward wines. It is often used both as a single varietal wine and as a blending grape, particularly in Bordeaux blends where it is typically paired with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet France.
Merlot wines are generally medium to full-bodied with moderate tannins and acidity. They are known for their smooth, velvety texture and approachable style. The flavor profile of Merlot often includes dark fruit notes such as black cherry, plum, and blackberry, along with hints of chocolate, vanilla, and spices.
Cabernet Franc is a black grape variety that is one of the major red grape varieties worldwide. It is often overshadowed by its more famous offspring, Cabernet Sauvignon, but it has its own distinct characteristics and merits. Cabernet Franc is known for producing medium-bodied red wines with a high level of acidity and moderate tannins, making it a versatile grape that can be enjoyed both on its own and as part of a blend.
The grape is grown in many wine regions around the world, but it is most famously associated with the Loire Valley in France and the Bordeaux region. In the Loire Valley, it is the dominant grape in appellations such as Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saumur-Champigny, where it produces wines that are lighter and more aromatic than those from Bordeaux.
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