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Bordeaux

Choosing a good bottle of red Bordeaux is no easy task for a novice. First step is to demystify the wine label which includes possible classification, appellation, name, proprietor, vintage, produce of France and if it is Chateau bottled. Undoubtedly, you will need to buy a good book on French wines to gain more knowledge on this topic as it is quite complex.

While a good book on red wine is the way to go, heading to a reputable wine shop with knowledgeable staff and possibly with offered wine tasting will give you an opportunity to discover what you like.

Buy Bordeaux according to your price range and how soon you plan to drink the wine. There are excellent value wines ready to consume right away. Or you may choose to buy a Gran Crus Classe bottle of Bordeaux from one of the great Chateaux to be aged.

Try the regional version of the wine or simple Appellation Bordeaux Controlee for great wines at reasonable prices. If you strike it rich, try Chateau Lafite-Rothschild or Chateau Haut-Brion.

I will attempt some basic discerning information regarding the wine label. Classification is this, Cru Artisan, Cru Bourgeois, Cru Classe, Gran Cru, Grand Cru Classe and there are several more classifications that pertain only to St. Emilion.

The classification such as Gran Cru Classe

The 3 major grapes are:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc

Region: Medoc, Pomerol, St. Emilion, Graves/Pessac-Leognan

Medoc has seven important inner appellations to be familiar with:
Haut Medoc, St. Estephe, Pauillac, St-Julien, Margaux, Moulis, Listrac