The Bordeaux region in France produces some of the best wines in the world, as well as some of the most expensive in the world.  However, there are a lot of good quality wines from Bordeaux that don’t require breaking the bank.  The other day I tried a 2009 Chateau Haut-La Pereyre, which is labeled as Bordeaux Superieur AOC.  The vast majority of the wine labeled as Bordeaux Superieur is produced in the Entre-Deux-Mers district in Bordeaux. Wines labeled as Bordeaux Superieur are considered a generic Bordeaux classification; however the wines are still very good in quality and value.  Although this is nothing like a Grand Cru, I still found it to be a nice easy drinking wine,  and it was easy on the pocket book at just over $12.  The blend is 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and presents itself in a light purple color.  The nose lends a pleasant aroma of light cherry with hints of vanilla and mineral.  On the palate a nice light red fruit flavor with mild acids and tannins and a touch of earthiness, and leaves you with a nice smooth finish.  Another Bordeaux Superieur I tried a while back was Chateau Chabiran.  The 2006 I tasted had a garnet red color, with red berry aromas.  This was a lot more tannic then the Chateau Haut-La Pereyre, and it had some nice earthy tones to it as well.  Overall this was a good wine, and at a good price of only $13.  

Speaking of Bordeaux, Chateau Margaux is working on becoming organic, and is also considering alternative closures for its wine.

And speaking of organic, it seems the US and the EU seem to have a difference of opinion when it comes to the definition of organic wine.

All for now, TGIF!!

Cheers,

Seth