Bordeaux refers to the wines that came from Bordeaux, France. As the largest wine-growing region in France, Bordeaux is divided into two: the Bordeaux right bank and Bordeaux left bank, which pertains to the river banks of the Gironde river. Each area produces distinct characteristics and specifications in the grapes they produce because of the climate, soil quality, rainfall, humidity and other factors that impact the taste and quality of Bordeaux wines.
The left bank, known as the ‘Graves’, has gravelly and rockier lands with deep deposits of limestones. Although there is a struggle and difficulty for the vines to get nutrients, the left bank produces powerful wines that have higher tannins and alcohol content, deeper body and are the prime choice for ageing. They mainly use Cabernet Sauvignon and a smaller quantity of Merlot.
The right bank, on the other hand, has red clay soil which produces smoother wines. They primarily use Merlot with a smaller amount of Cabernet. It has lower alcohol content, medium tannin levels and less acid.
The first growth or premier cru refers to the classification system of Bordeaux wines. Through the order of Emperor Napoleon III, Bordeaux wine merchants ranked the wines according to quality, reputation and price to showcase to the world. This best-in-wine classification is still awarded today.
The first five growths which are at the top of the Bordeaux ranking are the legendary chateaus that have become world-renowned wineries. These are:
Chateau Latour is known for their sustainable developments with 100% organic vineyards. Their wines are described as powerful, muscular and intense with Cabernet Sauvignon as the dominant grape variety. The legendary L’Enclos vineyard dates back to the 17th century and now uses biodynamics.
Chateau Margaux’s wines are described as silky and elegant. Their vineyard dates back to the 13th century with Cabernet Sauvignon as its dominant wine. They also practise organic viticulture that produces wines that have floral and fruity aromas and full-bodied flavour.
Bordeaux is dominantly red wine with vibrant red to deep purple colour. The wines from the Bordeaux left bank are highly tannic with medium levels of acidity while the Bordeaux right bank wines have medium tannin levels and lower levels of acidity. There is also the white Bordeaux, which can be dry or oak-aged, which is known as a dessert wine. The dry white wine has citrus notes while oak-aged has notes of caramel, honey and apricot.
Bordeaux wines can be paired with strong meats such as fillet mignon steak and well-done burgers; vegetables such as roasted potatoes and sauteed mushrooms; and seafood such as scallops or mussels.
If you haven’t experienced the distinct flavour and aroma of Nebbiolo, it’s definitely a must-try. Nebbiolo is included in our Italian wines to try before you die list. Nebbiolo’s taste is influenced by its ageing and fermentation process. In addition, the influence of the terroir is also reflected in its taste.
Origin |
Northern Italy |
Other names |
Barolo, Barberesco, Chiavennasca, Spanna |
Colour |
Light red, pale garnet |
Taste |
Cherry, coffee, dried raspberry |
Aroma |
Red fruit, rose, |
Acidity |
Medium-high |
Alcohol |
13.5% - 15% |
Aside from the wines, Piedmont is also known for their cuisine. Northern Italian dishes are big on cheese and meat such as venison stew, Brasato al Barolo (beef) and Pollo alla Marengo (chicken).
The Northern Rhône produces only 4% - 5% of wines in the region. It has a continental climate— hot summers and cold winters but is generally cooler than the South because of the influence of the Alps. With steep hillsides and granite soil, Northern Rhône’s vineyards are terraced to protect from soil erosion. The grape varieties produced on this side of the valley are Syrah for red wine and Viognier for white.
The Southern Rhône, on the other hand, produces most of the region’s wines. It has a Mediterranean climate— long summers and mild winters but is barely protected from the mistral winds, a harsh and destructive wind blowing from the Northern seas. However, the mistral winds are also responsible for giving their grape varieties a unique flavour. Their soil composition consists of an alkaline base and organic debris. The south is known for blending grapes such as Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre for red wine, and Grenache blanc, Rousanne and Marsanne for white.
Here are three essential things you should know about Côtes du Rhône wines:
Louis Max Cotes-du-Rhone Grenache-Syrah 2018 is now part of Popsy & JJ’s exciting wine collection. Genuinely produced in Rhône Valley, this exquisite Louis Max wine is made from Syrah and Grenache blend. It has a bold and dry taste with smooth and balanced acidity, and notes of blueberry, cherry and cinnamon. Louis Max Cotes-du-Rhone Grenache-Syrah 2018 can be paired best with beef, lamb, deer or venison dishes.
Crémant de Loire is the regional title or appellation for sparkling wines from France’s Loire Valley. Loire Valley is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest region for producing sparkling wines, particularly in Anjou, Saumur and Touraine. Because Champagne is a legally-protected word, it cannot be used for any sparkling wine made outside of the Champagne region. Thus, well-known sparkling wines Alsace, Burgundy and the Loire Valley are called Crémant.
Loire Valley produces 14 million sparkling wines each year. Rosé makes about 10% of the overall production while the rest are white. As of 2018, there are 597 producers of Crémant de Loire. They sell about 17 million bottles per year.
According to historical records, it was the Romans who cultivated the first vineyards in the Loire Valley in the 1st century AD. Loire Valley has a temperate oceanic climate influenced by the presence of bodies of water around the area. This includes the Loire river, the other rivers in the neighbouring areas and the Atlantic Ocean at the midwestern edge. The soil type is diverse and varies in each region such as chalky limestone, silica, gravel, sand and clay.
The traditional Loire grape varieties used in Crémant are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Pineau d'Aunis, Grolleau Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. However, the two main grape varieties are Chenin– a white grape variety, and Cabernet Franc, a red grape variety.
Crémant is made in the same method used in Champagne called “méthod Chapenoise”. The specific rules were strictly set in 2009. The first fermentation occurs in the barrel, followed by the second fermentation process in the bottle. During the second process, fermentation in the bottle produces bubbles.
After the minimum ageing period of nine months, the bottles are turned upside down for the deposits from the yeast cells to gather in the neck of the bottle for discharging. Crémant de Loire has a subtle freshness. It has hints of white fruits, lemon, nuts, vanilla and liquorice. Rosé, on the other hand, has red fruit scents.
There are eight wine regions in France, and Crémant production is growing. Aside from Crémant de Loire, here are some of the popular ones:
Crémant de Loire has a similar taste profile to Champagne. It can be a good alternative to Champagne. Here are their key differences:
Popsy & JJ has added Jaillance Crémant de Loire Brut NV into their wine collection. If you’re looking for a premium sparkling wine without a high price tag, Jaillance Crémant de Loire Brut NV is perfect to bring to any festive celebrations.
Jaillance Crémant de Loire Brut NV’s white blend from the grape varietals Chenin, Grolleau Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Savour its subtle freshness and hints of apple on your palate. Enjoy a glass of this sparkling wine with any lean fish or poultry and shellfish.
Amarone della Valpolicella or simply Amarone belongs to our list of “Italian and French wines you must try before you die”. That’s how remarkable Amarone is to us and a lot of wine lovers around the world. It has a full bodied, full flavoured, intense and elegant taste that leaves a memorable impression on the taste buds. Amarone comes from the Valpolicella region in the province of Verona in Northern Italy. The region, thought to have originated from Greek meaning “valley of many cellars”, is known as ‘the pearl of Verona’.
Valpolicella is the second largest producer of DOC wines— Denominazione di Origine Controllata, the highest quality level in Italian wine label classifications, with Chianti in central Tuscany taking the top spot. Judging from these short impressive knowledge about Amarone’s origins, you’ll surely enjoy a full bottle of this sophisticated red wine.
Body: Full
Alcohol: 15-16%
Acidity: Medium to medium-high
Tannins: Medium
Flavours: Cherry, brown sugar, chocolate
We’re indulging you with 8 more interesting facts about the Amarone wine:
Amarone was granted the DOCG recognition— Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), the highest quality level, together with its sweeter red wine sister Recioto. Both Amarone and Recioto have the same technique of using partially dried grapes. But rumours spreading on the grapevine says that Amarone was really just Recioto that was left to ferment for too long, thus the dry and bitter taste. But never believe that gossip!
The Famiglie Storiche is an association of 13 oldest and most famous historical producers of Amarone della Valpolicella: Allegrini, Begali, Brigaldara, Guerrieri Rizzardi, Masi, Musella, Speri, Tedeschi, Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Tommasi, Torre D’Orti, Venturini and Zenato. Founded in 1999, they are responsible for promoting Amarone all over the world.
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