Description The noise surrounding Bordeaux is usually focused on the unreachable first growths. But, if you know where to look, there are bargains to be found. After 50 years of practice, our talent lies in sniffing out great-value, quality wines. Ludovic Roussillon’s Château Le Coin is the perfect example. Thanks to the strict, historic appellation boundaries, Ludovic’s estate shares the same fine, Saint-Emilion limestone soil, but falls just outside the official boundary, on the other side of the river. Meaning top-shelf liquid but without the pain of the price. He’s a one-man-band, growing his own grapes and making his own wine, so you’ll never see him out of his blue overalls. His efforts pay off, winning countless Golds for his silky, rich claret.
There are seven regional Appellations d’origine controlee (AOCs) that may be used throughout the Gironde department. These are Bordeaux Rouge AOC, Bordeaux Supérieur Rouge, Bordeaux Clairet, Bordeaux Rosé, Bordeaux Blanc, a dry white, Bordeaux Supérieur Blanc, a sweet white, and Crémant de Bordeaux, a sparkling methode traditionnelle wine. The entry-level Bordeaux AOC reds are fruity and easy-to-drink, and meant for early consumption rather than cellaring. Exceptions to the general rule are simpler wines like dry white wines produced in Medoc and Sauternes where the production of red and sweet wines dominate. For red wines, the most planted grape varietals are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. As most regional Bordeaux AOC wines are produced on the Right Bank, Cabernet Franc is often found in the blend. Winemakers are using more and more Malbec, but Petit Verdot is not often seen. For white wines, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon each represent 42% of the vineyard surface and Muscadelle 9%.
