I find French wine confusing, which is why I never really buy much of it. Between Chateaus, Domaines, and Grands Crus I just don’t know what anything means, so I normally go to the North American section where a Cabernet Sauvignon is exactly what it says it is.
After visiting three vineyards with our guide, Sarah, I have a slightly better understanding. I’m no expert but I think I can now buy a bottle of French wine with confidence at my local wine store.
Here’s a quick rundown. Bordeaux is home to over 10,000 wineries. Yes, you read that right – 10,000.
In the Medoc region of Bordeaux, 61 have the highest classification of a Grand Crus. So, you are saying to yourself, this means they have been selected as the best of the best. Yes and no. The classification was made in 1855 with only two additions since. Having the designation means you might have been the best 160 years ago. Talk about the old boys club.
The most famous and perhaps most expensive of the Bordeaux Grands Crus is Chateau Margaux. This place doesn’t accept visitors. Of course not!!!
Many of the other Chateau are a bit more egalitarian and allow visitors, although this is a new practice. And you can’t just drive up, you need a tour guide.
The vineyards are often flanked by a gorgeous old limestone mansion, which will always show up on the label. Recognize any of these? Just kidding.
Bordeaux makes primarily red wine, which can only be made from a blend of two or more of the following grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec or Carmenere. No other grapes allowed. By law. The French love their regulations.
This is harvest season so we saw workers in the field picking the grapes by hand, people sorting and crushing them at specially made machines and the wine being stored in huge steel vats. It was really cool to see how much effort goes into one bottle of wine.
Of course this was my favourite part of the visit- enjoying all the work that went into producing these delicious reds. So good.
We had dinner outside back in the city overlooking the square. Across the street was a group of street hip hop dancers hanging out, breaking and popping. It was so cool to watch how rhythmic and fluid they were.
I will miss this place and definitely will make my way back.