Eve's Wine 101

Union des Grands Crus Bordeaux 2022 Tasting Event: The New 2019 Vintage

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Not sure how many of the “130 Castles in the Union” of Bordeaux Eddie and I tasted at the Union des Grands Crus Bordeaux 2022 tasting event, but taste we did! We go to this preview of newly released Bordeaux wines every year – we missed a couple as everyone did when events went on hiatus through Covid – so we were thrilled to attend this latest event.

The preview event we attended was filled with sommeliers, journalists, and restaurant and wine shop owners – as it has been in the past – so it was nice to reconnect with many of my peers after such a “dry spell”. We were also blessed with seeing some of the same winery representatives across the table we hadn’t seen in a while – and some Chateau owners too! Again, as it’s been a couple of years, everyone just seemed so relieved to finally meet again over fine wine that came across the ocean to be shared. (The evening’s event, open to the public, would be filled with wine lovers, aficionados and collectors.)

Appellations represented include Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Pauillac, Sauternes and Barsac, Pessac-Leognan, Graves, Pomerol, Listrac-Medoc, Moulis-en-Medoc, Haut-Medoc, Medoc, Margaux, Saint-Julien and Saint-Estephe. There was enough wine to fill two rooms of excited tasters.

You can see the story in my public photos here or read on. We appreciated everything we sampled! In general, I felt that many of the 2019s were good to drink now and didn’t necessarily require a lot of aging, the blends were well done, there was a buzz about the Merlots and the Cab-based Bordeaux from Pauillac.

Again, and just in general, some of the reds were dark, tannic and brooding while others were fresh and lively which to me means there was a lot to appreciate no matter what blends you normally lean towards.

The whites – Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sauternes that I enjoyed – benefitted from great fresh fruit and winemaking skills. I enjoyed almost every single one I sampled.

Though we didn’t come close to tasting everything, we would recommend that you seek out these stellar 2019: Chateau Lynch Bages, Chateau Phelan Segur, Chateau de Chantegrive, Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot, Chateau Leoville Barton, Chateau Leoville Poyferre, Chateau Gloria, Chateau Fonreaud, Chateau Dauzac, Chateau Talbot, Chateau Rauzan Gassies, Chateau Croizet Bages, Chateau Prieure Lichine, Chateau Gazin, Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Chateau Pavie Macquin, Chateau Clinet, Chateau La Tour Figeac, Chateau Grand Mayne, Chateau Pape-Clement, Chateau Latour-Martillac, Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse, Domaine de Chevalier, Chateau Haut-Bergey, Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron, Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Chateau Larrivet Haut Brion, Chateau Bouscaut, Chateau Clos Haut-Peyraguey, Chateau Doisy Daene and Chateau Sigalas-Rabaud.

A complete list of the UGC members can be seen here: https://www.ugcb.net/en/members

Keep up with UGC news and events here: https://www.ugcb.net/en/home

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Bordeaux Reports Historic 67% Annual U.S. Sales Increase

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BORDEAUX, FRANCE (PRWEB) – Bordeaux producers are feeling optimistic about the U.S. wine market. The Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.) reports that year-end 2021 sales of Bordeaux wines in the U.S. increased 67% in value to peak at $395 million (349 million euros), and 24% in volume to reach 247,000 HL as compared to 2020. The 2021 results represented the highest volume sales increase of Bordeaux wines to the U.S. over a 12-month period since 1985.

The United States was the second largest export market for Bordeaux wines, by volume and value. The recognition of quality and affordability of the 2018 and 2019 Bordeaux wine vintages, as well as the suspension of the 25% tariffs on French wines contributed to the acceleration of Bordeaux wine sales and bodes well for the future. These strong business results coincide with new benchmarks in sustainability: as of fall 2021, more than 75% of Bordeaux vineyards are certified sustainable, an all-time high which has driven positive trade and consumer recognition.

“We are thrilled with our sales results in the U.S.,” said Bernard Farges, President of the Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.) “It is a credit to the people of Bordeaux and our many U.S. partners to have overcome recent challenges and create opportunity for growth across such a wide range of Bordeaux wines.”

The strong growth reveals sustained momentum for the Bordeaux category in the U.S. wine market. Upward sales trends have impacted 65 of Bordeaux’s diverse AOCs (Appellations d’Origine Contrôlées), and all wine styles: reds, dry whites, rosé, sweet, and sparkling wines. While red wines remain the most prominent category, dry white Bordeaux wines have become increasingly popular: the U.S. is now the number one market for dry white Bordeaux, representing 5.2 million bottles in annual sales.

Overall, American consumers have supported growth across a wide range of Bordeaux wines ranging from more affordable, everyday selections to classified growths from prestige AOCs such as Médoc (Pauillac, St. Estèphe, Saint Julien, Margaux), Graves and Saint-Émilion.

To support positive trends, the Bordeaux wine region is committed to continuing investment in dynamic U.S. marketing and education campaigns that support increased consumer and trade awareness, including outreach to young consumers and buyers who place a high value on sustainability.

ABOUT Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.)
Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.) was created by the French Law dated August 18, 1948. It unites representatives from the three families in the Bordeaux wine industry: winegrowers, merchants and traders. The CIVB’s 4 missions:

  • Marketing mission: stimulate demand for Bordeaux wines, recruit new, younger consumers and ensure their loyalty to the brand. Provide education for the trade and strengthen relationships.
  • Technical mission: build knowledge, protect the quality of Bordeaux wines and anticipate new requirements related to environmental, CSR and food safety regulations.
  • Economic mission: provide intelligence on production, the market, the environment and sale of Bordeaux wines around the world.
  • The industry’s general interests: protect the terroirs, fight counterfeiting, develop wine tourism.

Bordeaux En Primeurs Week Canceled but Château Malescasse Maintains Efforts to Achieve High Standards

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BORDEAUX, FRANCE (PRWEB) – Despite the cumulation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancelation of the En Primeurs Week, Château Malescasse is continuing to focus on producing wine that earned the estate a “Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel” classification, propelling the domaine at the forefront of the Médoc’s most highly regarded properties.

The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc appellation announced a new three-tier classification system earlier this year and among 249 châteaux classified Crus Bourgeois, “Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel” has only been awarded to 14 selected properties. The “Exceptionnel ” level of the new classification requires quality standards and sustainable practices and the following of strict guidelines with technical procedures applied to the vineyard, the harvest method, bottling and quality assurance. Furthermore, the promotion of the wines is evaluated; from the presentation of the site and tourism offerings to distribution and international activities.

Over the past seven years, Château Malescasse has undergone a revolution; with changes to processes in the vineyard, winemaking practices as well as marketing efforts which contributed to earning this elite classification.

“We couldn’t be more proud of this distinction, it is the result of many years of dedicated work and a strong team effort. It is an honor to be recognized as one of the top properties in the Médoc,” said Alban Cacaret, Managing Director of Château Malescasse.

The vineyards were restructured in terms of soil, rootstock, clone and planting density, to operate in the same vein as the neighbouring Grands Crus Classés. The sustainable farming practices now center around preserving the existing biodiversity, the overall natural state of the vineyard environment and optimizing energy usage. Yields have been reduced and a rigorous grape selection process has been implemented, with only 50% used in the blend of the premier wine, compared to 80% in previous years.

All of the winemaking practices are focused on preserving the pureness of the fruit and are overseen by wine consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. A new wine cellar was created with small volume oak barrels and concrete vessels enabling harvests of single vineyard plots.

As part of the continuous efforts to create a better experience for visitors on the estate, Château Malescasse has been fully restored: the winery and the charterhouse have been fully revamped to form a living, welcoming experience, inspired by the history of the estate and the neoclassical style of the finest houses of the Médoc. The property organizes public and private events and has become a dynamic and unmissable spot on the Bordeaux wine trail. It attracts visitors from around the world, looking to experience refinement and the French art of living.

About Château Malescasse: Owned by Vignobles Austruy since 2012, Château Malescasse has been crafting its signature Bordeaux wines in the Haut-Médoc between Margaux and Saint-Julien since the early 19th century. It acquired and maintained the Cru Bourgeois status since 2003 before obtaining the Exceptionnel distinction earlier this year. The château and gardens cover over 1.5 acres surrounded by 100 acres of vineyards.

About the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc:
The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc form the largest family of Bordeaux crus from some of the most prestigious appellations of the Left Bank. This family brings together vineyards with widely differing profiles and terroirs that satisfy a drastic set of requirements. Thanks to its yearly blind selection process, the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc guarantees consumers a standard of quality for every bottle that proudly bears the “Cru Bourgeois” label.

Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Announces the Official Selection of The New 2020 Classification

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc (http://www.crubourgeois.com), one of the oldest and most prestigious classifications in Bordeaux, published their new, highly anticipated three tier 2020 Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Classification on February 20, 2020.

On this date, a page was turned for the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc and their annual quality assessment procedure. The new classification will now be awarded for five years and consist of three categories: Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Superieur and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. A clear, impartial, objective classification which will enable consumers to buy Crus Bourgeois with complete confidence.

A Hierarchical, Five-year Classification

The first classification will be featured on the labels of the selected Chateaux for the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 vintages. The classification also introduces a hierarchical structure with three levels: Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Superieur and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. The Cru Bourgeois family will now be evaluated every 5 years.

249 Châteaux ranked:

  • 179 Crus Bourgeois
  • 56 Crus Bourgeois Superieurs
  • 14 Crus Bourgeois Exceptionnels
  • The New Classification: An Approach That Rewards Properties and Reassures Consumers

Almost 10 years of preparation and consultation were necessary to obtain consent from the public authorities for the creation of this new classification, which recognizes the quality of winegrowers work and gives them a longer-term view of their property’s wine, thereby facilitating projects and investments. For consumers, the classification is a guarantee of quality that enables them to choose a Cru Bourgeois in complete confidence.

  • An Objective, Impartial Classification

Based on a schedule of requirements and a rigorous verification procedure, the entire classification process is overseen by an independent verification body to ensure a fair and honest ranking. This body ensures impartiality at all stages.

  • Wine Quality & Additional Criteria

Blind tasting of five vintages is the first criteria on which properties applying for classification are judged, with different requirements for each level. The higher categories of “Cru Bourgeois Superieur” and “Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel” are assessed on two main additional sets of criteria: the technical management of the vineyard and the marketing and promotion of the property.

  • Recognition of Environmentally Friendly Winegrowing Practices

The classification also includes environmental criteria: depending on the classification level, properties must have or be in the process of obtaining level 2 High Environmental Value certification.

About the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc
The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc (http://www.crus-bourgeois.com) form the largest family of Bordeaux crus from some of the most prestigious appellations of the Left Bank. This family brings together vineyards with widely differing profiles and terroirs that satisfy a drastic set of requirements. Thanks to its yearly blind selection process, the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc guarantee consumers a standard of quality for every bottle that proudly bears the “Cru Bourgeois” label.

Vintage Eve Circa 4/2017: The ‘Cru Bourgeois’ Distinction

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I attended a wine class organized by the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), of which I am a member, to learn more about ‘Cru Bourgeois’ wines mostly from the Medoc and Haut Medoc region of Bordeaux, France.

Chateau Lestiac, from the Cru Bourgeois official website

Wine appellations in Europe have lots of rules and distinctions. The Cru Bourgeois was different from any other I had learned about before, and the prices – $20 to $50 average – made them accessible to anyone with wine interests.

There were just maybe two dozen of us in the class: sommeliers, wine store owners and wine students. I was surprised to learn that I was one of two people that had been to Bordeaux, but not to the Medoc region.

Some of the reasons why the Bordeaux region is important

  • All of our winemaking techniques blending, fining, etc. – come from Bordeaux.
  • One of the longest aging wines in the world, it’s a fact with a proven track record.
  • Lower alcohol levels than other age-worthy wines.
  • Bordeaux is divided between the left and right bank of the Gironde river. Left was originally under water before the Dutch drained it, leaving great white gravel pebbles, the “secret to Bordeaux.”
  • Due to the weather blending became a necessity.
  • Vintage years are important, and pushed by producers, due to unpredictable weather.
  • The wines made on the right side of the Gironde river aew Merlot-based. Grows best in colder gravel/soil. Hills and limestone, limestone stays cooler.
  • Left of the Gironde is Cabernet Sauvignon-based. White pebbles in vineyard increase ripeness.

Haut Medoc and Medoc

Haut Medoc is where the classic Cabernets come from. If you travel the road between Medoc and Haut Medoc, running south to north, the gravel changes from smaller and fine to bigger gravel and more clay. So wines from Haut Medoc are more tannic, potent, powerful and require more aging. As you continue up the wines get bigger. It is widely considered that wines made from grapes closer to the Gironde River are better.

Crus Bourgeois du Medoc

The term, Crus Bourgeois, first became commercial in 19th century. The classification was made official in 1932 with 444 members. By 2003 there were 247 Chateau in the association.

The Crus Bourgeois are considered good wines that weren’t let into Grand Cru classification. This was a way to get national recognition beyond the Grand Crus.

The Crus Bourgeois is a privately controlled certifying organization. At one point one member of the panel was a vintner, it was eventually deemed unfair, and in 2009 a new tasting was held.

The first official selection of Crus Bourgeois was for the 2008 vintage. Every year, two years after harvest, the wines are tasted to see if they will be included as a Crus Bourgeois. The procedure is done annually, to every vintage, and supervised by an outside party, with an audit and a blind tasting. (Grand Crus don’t do this testing)

They have to have a representative random sample, to get an indication of that year’s quality, so they do an annual blind tasting that starts with 80 samples and goes down to 16. This gives a benchmark score of quality and what they are looking for.

More Facts of the Crus Bourgeois

  • Cru Bourgeois can be identified by QR code on a white label affixed to foil.
  • 3% of Medoc vineyards, 30 million bottles, make the Crus Bourgeois du Medoc.
  • Average price is $25 a bottle and remain stable.
  • 2013 and 2015 are the highest scanned bottles sold. California, New York and Texas are the states that visit the crus-bourgeois.com website the most.
  • You can visit 90% of the properties for tours and tastings.
  • They plan to reintroduce three levels, Crus Bourgeois, Superior Crus Bourgeois and Exceptional Crus Bourgeois categories by 2020.
  • They also want the review process to be every five years and not for single years.

Presented by NASA

For centuries, BORDEAUX has commanded an almost mythical status in the world of wine, beguiling kings, emperors and dictators alike. While its survival is dependent on the capricious nature of weather,  its prosperity has always been tied to the shifting fortunes of global economies. As powerful nations rise and fall, so does the fate of this place.

One of the unique and historical characteristics of this commanding wine region is the quality ‘classification’ of its left bank (Medoc) wineries. Most of us are well aware of the famous 1855 classification that divided the wineries into a ‘Grand Cru’ scale of 1 to 5 and how unreachable the 5 top Chateaux are in price…but how about the wineries that were NOT classified in 1855 ? The ones that were born after, or perhaps never made the cut back then but today make fabulous wines at accessible prices? Welcome the CRU BOURGEOIS. Created in 1962 but with a far longer history, this association of producers stands to protect, classify and promote all the superb wineries that were not classified in 1855 and were in the hands of merchants and not noble families. They represent some of the best and most competitive wines that Bordeaux has to offer. As a result of their selection criteria and positioning in terms of price, the Crus Bourgeois are ideally suited to today’s markets and the requirements of increasingly demanding consumers.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits

Bordeaux’s Crus Bourgeois Du Médoc Announce the Finalists Of The 2016 Official Selection Crus Bourgeois Du Médoc Cup

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc (http://www.crubourgeois.com), one of the oldest and most prestigious classifications in Bordeaux, are pleased to announce the twelve finalists, and overall winner of the 9th edition of Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Cup for the 2016 Official Selection.

Hosted annually in conjunction with French publication, le Point magazine, this year’s Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Cup was held at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux, with the winner and laureates announced on May 14 at Vinexpo Bordeaux. Over 166 of the Left Bank’s top Cru Bourgeois classified châteaux participated in the hotly contested cup, with smaller, upstart producers pitted against the more established and renowned châteaux as part of a match play-style competition over multiple rounds of tasting.

In total, twelve châteaux were selected during the competition to move on to the final round of judging for the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Cup, and they included:

  • Château Cambon la Pelouse, AOC Haut-Médoc
  • Château Campillot, AOC Médoc
  • Château Cap Léon Veyrin, AOC Listrac-Médoc
  • Château le Crock, AOC Saint-Estèphe
  • Château la Fortune, AOC Margaux
  • Château Lestage Simon, AOC Haut-Médoc
  • Château Maurac, AOC Haut-Médoc
  • Château Moulin de Blanchon, AOC Haut-Médoc
  • Château Reverdi, AOC Listrac-Médoc
  • Château Ricaudet, AOC Médoc
  • Château La Roque de By, AOC Médoc
  • Château les Tuileries, AOC Médoc

Following the final round of judging, The patron of the Cup, Véronique Rivest (Best Sommelier of Canada in 2006 and 2016, Best Sommelier of the Americas in 2012) along with other notable wine journalist from around the world, awarded the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Cup to Jean-Pierre Marie of the Haut-Médoc Producer Château Cambon la Pelouse for their 2016 vintage offering.

Since 2013, the number of Crus Bourgeois du Médoc distributed in the U.S. has grown from 130 to 200. Today, nearly 70% of the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc are available on the U.S. market and in most fine wine stores throughout the country. Each bottle is authenticated with a QR code sticker that guarantees the quality of the wines that are bottled and enables Cru Bourgeois wines to be easily identified.
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About the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc
The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc (http://www.crus-bourgeois.com) form the largest family of Bordeaux crus from some of the most prestigious appellations of the Left Bank. This family brings together vineyards with widely differing profiles and terroirs that satisfy a drastic set of requirements. Thanks to its yearly blind selection process, the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc guarantee consumers a standard of quality for every bottle that proudly bears the “Cru Bourgeois” label.

Two Bottle Post: 2016 Légende Médoc and Bordeaux Rouge

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When I review wines sent to me or at a tasting room, I really prefer not to see the tasting notes provided by the winery. It’s pretty hard to turn a blind eye…but I do try. In this tasting I haven’t looked at the tasting notes that were emailed to me, but I include them below so that you can compare their notes to mine, and for the pairings they offered. Also, truth be told, after all these years doing this I’m always tickled if and when some of our notes match up.

This week I had two Bordeaux wines to review from Légende, and each bottle has a small round stamp that declares that they are included in the Domaines Barons de (Lafite) Rothschild. I found that a wee bit intriguing, so, on with the tasting:

Légende Bordeaux Rouge 2016

12.5% alcohol

Observations: Opaque, the color of deep garnet with a dark edge.

Aroma: Raspberry, black currant, dark cherry, bell pepper, balanced.

Flavor: Soft, tart cherry, tannic, mellow spice, dry. Tried again in a few minutes and noted no change. (My notes only matched the wineries in the mention of tannins.)

Légende Médoc 2016 

Observations: Opaque, blackberry color, brown edge. 

Aroma: Stewed fruit, plums, earth, suede, coffee, tobacco, red licorice, black pepper.

Flavor: Dark fruit, lots of nice spice, mushroom, tannin structure allowed for a long finish. Preferred this a bit over the Bordeaux Rouge.
(Here I matched the winery in the mention of the wine’s spice and length.)

From The Winery

Wine collectors around the world have mastered the allure and prestige of the esteemed appellations of Bordeaux – and this season, you can join them. With the Légende wines collection, self-proclaimed connoisseurs now have access to wines from one of the region’s top producers – Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). All wines in the collection perfectly capture the spirit of the iconic region through the lens of one its most influential producers. Paired with savory fall dishes, or on its own with a good book – you will certainly find your favorite Bordeaux in the mix.

Légende Bordeaux Rouge 2016 – $17.99 – Pair With Apple Picking!

Varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot

A wine for every day, dinner with friends, or a glass in front of the fire, Légende Bordeaux Rouge is a well-balanced blend of traditional grape varieties. The Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine the classic elegance of the Lafite style, while the aging gives it charm and a well-rounded character. On the palate, the wine is structured, round and easy, nicely oaked with firm, silky tannins, and a long, fresh and fruity finish.

Légende Médoc 2016 – $24.99 – Pair With Fresh Winter Flavors!

Varieties: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot

The rich patchwork of châteaux in the Médoc produces ruby-colored, well-rounded wines that are a fine accompaniment to many fall dishes. The Légende Médoc benefits from the same care as a Grand Vin: rigorous selection, extreme precision in the winery, with meticulous specifications, reduced yields, impeccable ripeness, purity of fruit, and traditional maturing. The star of the Médoc, Cabernet Sauvignon is given excellent expression and can be appreciated for its natural characteristics by lovers of Bordeaux’s wines. The wine is generous and silky, with a full-bodied, very rounded structure. The finish is long and spicy.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com