Country: France Region: Bordeaux Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc – Estate Bottled
Bordeaux is the largest wine-producing region in all of France, consisting of two major areas — the Left Bank and the Right Bank. Both lie in the heart of the Gironde estuary and are further divided by its tributaries, the Garonne and the Dordogne Rivers. Merlot is the predominant grape in the Right Bank, while Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the Left Bank. The region enjoys a cool marine coastal climate with mild weather and no dry season.
French wines are best categorized by region and the blend, not individual grape varieties. Bordeaux wines are known for their terroir, defining a specific region based upon the soil, climate and the viticultural traditions. AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) is the European equivalent of AOC. The term means the same thing, and AOP has replaced the AOC designation since 2012.
The garnet red color is hued by 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc. On the nose it shows aromas of red berries, which carries through to the taste. The wine has a well-rounded mouth-feel, combined with soft tannins and an agreeable finish. It is ready to be enjoyed now. Serve at room temperature with roast beef, roast lamb, grilled sausages, beef stew and medium cheeses.
La Loge Bordeaux AOP:
MERLOT GRAPES — Producing wines soft in fruit, grand in color, and rich in flavor, Merlot grapes are invaluable in fruity lusciousness and velvet quality. Merlot grapes are key to wines that are fresh flavored and vibrant. France is home to some of the finest Merlot grapes grown worldwide.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON — Widely planted, this is a prolific grower, small, dark, thick skinned and late-maturing. Makes tannic wines with black currant/cassis aroma and flavor.
CABERNET FRANC — Grown under neutral conditions, it’s hard to distinguish between the two Cabernets. Franc tends to produce an earthy style of wine that’s very aromatic
