The Cellar: Bordeaux
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer
The Cellar: Bordeaux
Bordeaux is one of, if not THE world’s most famous wine regions. With almost 300.000 acres of vineyards (roughly 7 times that of California’s Napa Valley) Bordeaux wines can be difficult to define. The region is arguably the source of some of the rarest, most sought-after and expensive wines in the world. That said, Bordeaux is also the home of some really fantastic, value driven wines. Almost all the wines produced in Bordeaux are blends. While they might not be labeled in a manner that appeals to the American consumer (labels indicate region – not grape) the fact is that most of this vast regions’ whites and reds are made from very familiar grape varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
The traditional white blends centers around Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, sometimes with a splash of Muscadelle. This week’s first featured wine is from Graves, a sub-region named after its gravelly soils. More specifically, it is the 2013 Graves Blanc from Chateau Villa Bel-Air. After having acquired the Estate in 1988 the new owners have since replanted many of the Estate’s vineyards and completely renovated the winery.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe wine is a blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Semillon. After pressing, the juices were left to ferment in oak barrels (30% new) at low temperatures. The wine then aged on its lees for 4 months and was stirred regularly. The resulting wine whiffs of orange blossom, pear and vanilla on the nose, which turns into lemon custard and green apple on the palate - with hints of oak on the finish. This medium bodied wine is a great example of what a quality white Bordeaux brings to the table, combining the fresh, floral and acid driven Sauvignon Blanc with the richly flavored and weighty Semillon. At $25ish per bottle, this is a good value that drinks well now, can age and will gain complexity, can be sipped by itself but also holds up as a food wine.
The wine itself is a ‘traditional Bordeaux blend’, which means it can contain any combination of the following varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and to a lesser extent Carmenere. While Cabernet Sauvignon is the prominent variety on the left bank of the Gironde, wines on the right bank are primarily based on Merlot. The Haut Colombier, for example, is 90% Merlot with 10% Malbec aged for 12 months in oak barrels of which 1/3 were new. The resulting $20 wine is a delicious and savory experience. The fruit is dark and rich and there is lovely herbal note, bright acidity and its slightly chewy tannins showcase the wines youthfulness.
Cheers,
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related questions or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings at the Providence Wine Academy.
Rhode Island’s Best Wineries
Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival, Newport
This is the Rhode Island festival that all others are judged against. Newport Mansions Wine and Food is in its ninth year of bringing together sublime food talent in a gorgeous Newport setting. This year is no different as the main headliners are Martha Stewart and Sara Moulton. They don't stop there though...imagine hundreds of wines to be sampled on the lawn of Marble House, tasty treats from lots of local restaurants, and appearances by local chefs like Champe Speidel preparing and serving their creations. You've got a bona fide classic! Tickets starts at $135. www.newportmansions.org
Newport Vineyards, Middletown
This vineyard was originally planted in 1977 with the goal of preserving the coastal land. Captain Richard Alexander planted 10 acres of French-American grapes in 1977 with the help of his family, friends, and neighbors. In 1988, in partnership with the Nunes family, Captain Alexander established his first winery. In 2002, the land was placed into perpetual preservation through a partnership between the Nunes Family, the Aquidneck Land Trust, and the State of Rhode Island.
Tours and tastings occur Sunday – Friday at 1 and 3 p.m. and hourly on Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. $12 per person for 5 samples; $15 per person for 5 samples plus signature glass. 909 East Main Rd. 848-5161,www.newportvineyards.com
Greenvale Vineyards, Portsmouth
Located along the beautiful Sakonnet River, Greenvale Vineyards has been in the family since 1863 and is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Cortlandt Parker, the farm’s fourth generation, and his wife Nancy started to grow grapes here as a hobby in the 1960’s. In the early 80’s, the Parkers decided to embark on the development of a commercial vineyard. The focus is on conservation of open space, preservation of historic buildings and the education of its visitors. Tastings occur daily and cost $12 for 7 varietals; tours are daily at 2 p.m. and are *$15 per person for the tour and tasting. 582 Wapping Rd. 847-3777, www.greenvale.com
Langworthy Farm Winery, Westerly
Langworthy Farm was built in 1875 on the historical home site of Governor Samuel Ward. Owners Joe and Gail Sharry first planted vinifera grape vines in 2002 and produced the first barrel of Chardonnay in stainless steel that same year. They now produce more than a dozen varietals, including 7 reds. Alongside the vineyard is a Victorian farmhouse bed and breakfast that the Sharrys operate in season. Meals, of course, are always paired with house wines.
Tastings run daily from July 4 through Labor Day and are $7 per person for 5 wines. 308 Shore Rd. 322-7791, www.langworthyfarm.com
Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyards, Little Compton
A popular and iconic Rhode Island vineyard, Sakonnet was founded in 1975 and for over 30 years has pioneered the production of fine wines in New England. Several vinifera varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and the unique hybrid Vidal Blanc are grown, and Sakonnet also produces an award-winning Sparkling wine. This is Rhode Island’s largest vineyard, producing upwards of 30,000 cases annually.
Tours and tastings occur daily between noon and 3 and are $10. There is also a café and outdoor seating. 162 West Main Rd. 635-8486, www.sakonnetwine.com
