Familiar and not, but all delicious to enjoy.
The red wines of Bordeaux with few exceptions produce wines that command some of the highest prices in the world. This is to the point that a market for futures on these wines. But what grapes go into these wines and what about the rumors of there being 6 total grapes? Does one exist?
Why 5 Noble Grapes?
Bordeaux is a legendary wine region, home some of the most famous and sought-after wines on the planet. Bordeaux produces three different sytles of wines: red, white and sweet. However, today we are only focusing on reds and the grapes used in the wines. Knowing them and their application/impact on the wine world alone can really help increase tips or get a job.
Unlike knowing the five first growths, the noble grapes of Bordeaux appear in the wine world pretty much everyday and at any restaurant that pours wine. Guests love to have the Merlots and Cabernets! These both happen to be noble grapes of Bordeaux. Pretty ironic, 5 first growths and 5 noble grapes.
These 5 grapes, with the two mentioned above and the addition of one make the backbone of global red wine consumption.
Why is Knowing The 5 Noble Grapes of Bordeaux Important?
Thanks for asking.
What are the most popular red wines at steakhouses? Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. This would depend on price point, however most likely one of these three sells the by the glass.
So unlike the top wines of Bordeaux themselves, this is approachable and useful, since everyone can afford a wine made with the one or all of the five noble grapes of Bordeaux.
So, the 5 noble grapes of Bordeaux are:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Malbec
- Cabernet Franc
- Petit Verdot
Traditionally the wines of Bordeaux were blends as much of the great old world wines. This was to overcome difficulties in the vineyard and vinification before modern agriculture and winemaking hit the scene. All five varieties are used in the blends from this region, however in differing volumes than in the past.
Meet the Five Noble Grapes of Bordeaux
Cabernet Sauvignon: The most popular red grape on earth. In Bordeaux it is the dominant grape in the most well-known wines of the left bank and the base for all 5 of the first growth wines. While in the most expensive wines, it is not the most planted grape in Bordeaux. The next varietal is…
Merlot: the most planted grape in Bordeaux by a 2:1 ratio over cabernet sauvignon. Keep in mind that merlot is blended into nearly red produced in Bordeaux. It is the dominant grape of Right Bank wines, including the famed Chateau Petrus of Pomerol.
Malbec: More than the variety most associated with red wines from Argentina. Malbec is used for two primary reasons in Bordeaux blends; adding body and dark fruit flavors. While very popular globally, due to the rise of Argentinan wines, use of malbec in Bordeaux has shrunk considerably as plantings of cabernet sauvnignon have increased.
Cabernet Franc: Used as a blending grape, providing aromatics for left bank wines and body/red fruit to right bank wines. Very popular in the blends of Bordeaux, the third most used variety with Malbec and the last grape significantly behind.
Petit Verdot: The final noble grape of Bordeaux used in blending for its black fruit notes and minerality, adding depth and body to the wines. As tastes have evovled so has the use of Petit Verdot. Use of this varietal has diminished to the point it is common for final blends to inlcude 10% or less Petit Verdot, if any is used at all.
The Five Noble Grape Varieties Around the World
These wines have many different names around the world and different countries even have different rules regarding these wines.
The most notable example of Bordeaux styled blends is the USA. These blends are referred to Meritage wines. Labels with names such as Opus One, Silver Oak Napa Valley or Clos Du Val. They are blends using the five noble grapes of Bordeaux, particularly the Cabernet Sauvignon dominated Lef Bank styled blends. Some producers make a right bank styled, merlot dominated blend with cabernet franc blended in.
As with much of the new world, there are not many guiding rules on what can and cannot go into these blends. Buyer beware when serving or drinking these, they are a mixed bag.
These Real wine champions know the ancient 6th grape of Bordeaux…
The 6th Grape?
Carmenere: the 6th grape of Bordeaux. This has hardly if any plantings remaining along the Gironde River. Carmenere is most notably grown in the mountains of Chile today. The wines produce, smokey, yet herbaceous wines with granite like minerality. Wines produced there great with meats, both grilled and broiled. Bacon and other fatty meats go well with this wine as does high-acidity and earither sauces.
What I Learned Today About 5 Noble Grapes of Bordeaux
France has the AOC that sets rules for winemaking amongst other agricultural products made in France.
Go make money!
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