ART, food, 18th century architecture, immaculate vineyards and, of course, the finest wines in the world – Bordeaux has a lot to boast about.
Blessed with a rich diversity of climate and soil, winemakers can grow an abundance of grape varieties, some of which form the backbone to its world-class reds (predominantly made from a blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot), along with fruit for its whites, roses, sweet and sparkling wines.
But with fame and fortune comes misconceptions, and while the truly great grand cru wines with a splendid chateau or coat of arms on the label have the potential to cost a king’s ransom, they actually represent a tiny minority.
In fact, the vast majority are easily within reach, especially if you look for wines from lesser known appellations, small family estates, or supermarket own labels. Indeed, 90% of Bordeaux’s wine production sits in the £6-£20 price range and offer superb quality and value for money.
To steer you in the right direction, here are four favourites with everyday drinkability ...
Calvet Cremant Bordeaux Brut, France (currently reduced to £9.36 from £12.49, Ocado)
A fizz with finesse, it’s easy to forget that Bordeaux produces wonderfully fresh tasting cremant made in the same method as champagne. A blend of semillon and cabernet franc, this is soft and fruity with blossomy, citrusy aromas, and an appley, fruity palate.
Chateau Talmont Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Bordeaux, France (currently reduced to £6 from £6.98, Asda)
A crisp, tangy sauvignon, lemony, grapefruit aromas and similar flavours dominate this brisk, dry white, with enough acidity to make it a perfect partner for fish.
Chateau de Seuil Bordeaux Rose 2017, France (£10.99, Virgin Wines)
A plush, peachy gold, with lovely strawberry aromas, it’s bursting with bright berry fruits.
Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Claret 2015, Bordeaux, France (currently reduced to £6.25 from £7, Sainsbury’s)
An outstanding best-value Bordeaux, with wonderful depth to the dark, ripe fruits. Rich and expansive, it has hints of cassis, violet, liquorice, tobacco and sweet spice.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here