Bordeaux is one of the most famous and iconic wine producing regions in the world, with many of the wines from the region being highly sought after the world over. However, there is often a perception that all wines from Bordeaux are expensive or that you have to spend a lot of money in order to get something enjoyable. Our friends at Wines Direct, Mullingar’s wine specialists, assure us that this is not the case.
“The wines of Bordeaux are some of the most famous of any produced around the world, and while some of them are indeed quite expensive there are plenty of great examples that don’t cost the earth,” says Trevor Fisher, retail manager with Wines Direct. “I’m a huge Bordeaux fan, but what I always find most enjoyable and most exciting is discovering really well made, enjoyable wines that show oodles of quality but that are not too expensive. That’s what I call real value!”
Wines Direct spend a lot of time scouring the globe looking for great value from all wine regions, and here are Trevor’s top three red and white choices from Bordeaux, all of which are available from the Wines Direct Shop.
Top three great value white Bordeaux
Chateau Haut Garriga Bordeaux Blanc 2009 - €9.75
I don’t believe I have ever tasted white Bordeaux that offers better value than this immediately likeable, exuberantly fruity number. A lovely blend of ripe citrus fruit flavours with a long finish. Outstanding value.
Chateau Haut-Rian Bordeaux Sec 2009 - €10.10
This stunning white is impeccably well made and is sensational value at the price. It has been a favourite of Wines Direct customers for years now, and with very good reason. It is full of exotic fruit flavours, with great balance and a long fruity finish. One of Ireland’s best kept secrets!
Chateau Thieuley Cuvee Blanc 2009 - €12.80
The sisters who produce this wine, Sylvie and Marie Courselle, are superstars when it comes to making white wine in Bordeaux. This dry white is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon and is rich, full flavoured, and a great partner with seafood.
Top three great value Red Bordeaux
Chateau de Franc 2007 - €12.80
One of the best value wines in the country in my opinion! Made by a hugely experienced winemaker who traditionally has made very expensive wines in St Emilion and Pomerol. This wine oozes class with a lovely rich body that is packed full of dark plum and blackcurrant fruit. A must try for either the Bordeaux fan or novice.
Chateau Haut-Rian Cuvee Prestige 2008 - €12.80
Winemaker Michel Dietrich only produces this red in very good vintages, so it’s amazing that the price is as low as it is! This is a lovely, easy-drinking style of Bordeaux that is full of ripe red fruit flavours with just a touch of spice at the end.
Chateau Sainte-Marie Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux 2007 - €12.25
This is a very elegant and supple red. Lovely dark fruits fill the mouth with flavour while the wine has a silky texture in the mouth. If you like your red wines to be soft, fruity, and smooth then this is your new best friend!
The Wines Direct shop can be found at Lough Sheever Corporate Park in Mullingar and is open on Monday to Friday from 11am until 7pm and on Saturdays from 11am until 6pm, with wines open and free to taste every day.
