This Friday, August 28th is National Red Wine Day, and these days, any reason to celebrate is worth noting. Why not do so with a wine from arguably one of the best red wine regions in the world, Bordeaux, France?

…As the first to put a wine classification system into place in 1855, there is much credibility to defend the title, and their vast diversity, consistency, and influence helps to sway any naysayers. 

Bordeaux is split into two banks, divided by the Gironde River and these Left and Right Banks have different soil, which means different proportions are grown on each side for the main varietals. All Bordeaux reds must be a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and can also contain Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The Left Bank of Bordeaux is favorable for growing Cabernet Sauvignon so the majority of the blend is this grape, and is known for producing the famous, highly priced and sought after wines such as Chateau Margaux and Chateau Lafite. The Right Bank is the perfect fit for growing Merlot, so the wines from this side are softer and rounder and can often be a better price point as they have found less notoriety. 

So, while still not necessarily an everyday wine, Chateau Figeac from Saint-Émilion, which is located in the Right Bank is a wonderful representation of the elegance and complexity throughout Bordeaux. The Figeacus family, the estate’s namesake, dates back to the second century and The Manoncourt family, whom currently have owned the estate for over 120 years, have contributed to the quality and upheld the standard of the original name. Hints of strawberries, blackberries, plum and graphite are consistent every year and are paired with a crisp tannic structure and herbal, cedar notes. This is an ideal wine to pair with food and has great aging potential. 

Recommend wine pairings: Steak au Poivre or a Pan Seared Duck Breast with a Blackberry Reduction.