Winter is notoriously boring in Bordeaux - so what does one do on the long lonely winter nights? THE DUAD

The Bordeaux University Oenology faculty runs very high-powered, academic courses in both the production and appreciation of wine. So high powered it is, the pass rate is sometimes not even 50%.  This year is our year to participate in this illustrious and infinately famous program.  As most Bordeaux children of famous winery owners do, we have picked up our school bags and hit the chalk board. But what is it all about?

It is an exploration into how our bodies work for starters. We learn first and foremost about our senses:   how the nose works, our sense of smell, our sense of taste and our taste buds.  We have studied colors and  the effect of light, the effect of pollution be it noise or air, how it influences the way we taste, the environement in which we taste, the importance of the glass, the temperature and even our own health and the role it can play in our perception of taste and smell. That was just the first few weeks.

Following the biology lessons came the history of Bordeaux and the evolution of the vine in the world and its importance in our daily lives, commerce, religion and politics.  Then we started with the vineyard, grafting, grape maturity and soil.   Our early lessons concentrated also on the four or is it five tastes: acidity, sweetness, bitterness and saltyness. Did you know there was a fifth? Umami discovered in Japan, its the taste of soy sauce, not exactly salty, not exactly sweet…

We spend most of our tasting sessions sniffing molecules responsable for the smells in wine.  Linalol – rose, geraniol – geranium, citronellol – lemon, Whiskeylactone – coconut, IBMP – green pepper, etc.  We also get to taste wine from time to time. But more about that later.

Please click the links below for more details about our French wine tasting tours and holidays.

France Wine Tasting Tours

• The Definitive Bordeaux Wine Tour
• Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux Wine Tour
• Golf, Spa and Wine Tours – Bordeaux
• The Weekend Warrior – Pessac-Leognan and The Medoc Wine Tour
• Bordeaux – Food and Wine Tour

I am in Burgundy this week for an intensive four day tasting reconnaissance visit. I will be sourcing the most delicious wines to taste, the best cellars to visit the most comfortable hotels and the best restaurants. I am lucky enough to have two good friends who are Major UK buyers who have introduced me to this region and the wine makers.

I will be sharing these contacts with you in order to make a superlative Burgundy visit for you at properties whose wines excel and who are not normally in the habit of receiving visitors. Watch this space and see our wine tours page (tours will be live in a couple of weeks) for ideas.

And feel free to comment on articles! (it helps with the ranking – thanks)

No visit to Bordeaux would be complete without an introduction to the three steps of tasting and the Bordeaux terroir.

The Bordeaux Wine School / Ecole du Vin at the CIVB (Conseil Interprofessionel des Vins de Bordeaux) the main wine governing board in Bordeaux offer various courses.  They are located in the center of town just opposite the Tourist Office.  Prices range from 25 euros for a 2-hour course to over 1000 euros for a 7-day intensive course.

http://ecole.vins-bordeaux.fr

Saint Emilion Vignobles et Chateaux is actually a wine boutique located in the center of St Emilion.  They propose courses for 30 euros for maximum 30 people  (it is best to make an appointment). 

http://www.vignobleschateaux.com/

Which wine goes with Galette des Rois?  The expert opinion is a Cremant de Bordeaux.  Wendy and I tasted three wines, one dry white, one liquoreux and a crémant.  The bubbles won hands down!

Wendy and Mary at the CIVB wine bar.

Visits at Chateau Pape Clement start with the history of the property. Each chateau has a story to tell. Rich in architecture and culture, Bordeaux has so much to offer the wine enthusiast.
American-owned Haut Bailly is an exceptional cru and they have an exciting new project!  They have just hired a new chef and can propose lunches and dinners for small groups.  A rare treat in this area!

Explanation of the grape varieties at Pape Clement

Pape Clement

Opening of the new Wine Gallery in downtown Bordeaux.

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