Affordable Bordeaux - Half Dozen

With connections to Great Britain going back over 1,000 years, you may feel that you know a fair bit about Bordeaux wines. Certainly, the famous names and glorious châteaux make headline news with their eye-watering prices. There are many more wines from the region however that are much more humble, qualifying for the ‘everyday drinking’ tag and available in white and rosé form as well.

Bordeaux and its vineyards are about two hours south-west of the Loire Valley, perhaps three hours from the Sauvignon Blanc heartland of Sancerre. It is therefore mildly surprising that the Sauvignons of Bordeaux, particularly its subregions of Graves, Pessac and Entre-deux-Mers lie somewhat forgotten these days, especially as their style and substance can closely match those of the Loire Valley, and often in a softer, rounder fashion – try Château Tour de Mirambeau’s as an excellent doppelgänger. They also make a pale, redcurrant-fruited rosé worthy of your attention.

Let us also steer you in the direction of some easy, friendly Bordeaux Rouge that you can drink with pleasure. Serge and Julian Coudenc at Château Moulin de Mallet grow mostly Merlot in a super spot just across the Dordogne River from the Saint-Emilion vineyards and produce a cracking drop of wine. And of course, you must pick up a bottle of Tanners Claret. Versatile and friendly, it’s time to rediscover the heart of Bordeaux.