There’s a well-known wine trivia, whereby sparkling white wine can only be called ‘champagne’ if it is grown and bottled in the Champagne region of France; whereas bubbly from anywhere else in the world can only be classified as ‘sparkling wine’!

Similarly, there is a prestige that comes with Bordeaux wines.
But what makes a Bordeaux so special?

• Located in the southwest of France, the environment of Bordeaux makes it ideal for growing vines, with the heavily calcified condition of the soil, as well as the irrigation of the land from the various rivers that flow through the region.
  
• There is a practice in France whereby authorities certify certain foods and agricultural products (such as cheese, butter, and wine) as protected to the geographical territory it originates from. As such, Bordeaux wines are categorised under their specific appellations.
  
• While there are also white wines, rosé and sparkling wines that come from Bordeaux, over 90 percent of grapes from the region are red. Bordeaux wines set the standard for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as they originate from this region.

• Bordeaux reds are special in that they are a blend of wines, with each blend attributed to its localisation in the region, and are further classified as ‘left bank’ or ‘right bank’ wines.
  
• With superior aging potential, Bordeaux wines range from everyday table wines to some of the most expensive labels you could find in the world.

Whether you are an amateur oenophile or an intermediate budding sommelier, a few bottles of Bordeaux are a must-have for your wine collection.

So for the next time you want to select a Bordeaux red, whether for a special dinner or for a tasting session with fellow wine-enthusiasts, here are some top picks for Bordeaux reds available in Malaysia (as recommended by Lavo Wine!).

• Chateau La Confession 2012, Saint Emilion Grand Cru
  RM215
  
  Under the Saint-Émilion appellation, the Chateau La Confession is a domain of vineyards owned by Jean-Philippe Janoueix, a producer from a wine-making dynastry.
  
  Wines from Chateau La Confession are aged in wood barrels, with this one in particular full-bodied with strong presence of oaky and fruity notes.
  
  
• Chateau La Providence 2006, Pomerol (last vintage 2012)
  RM700
  
  The Chateau La Providence is a fairly smaller property located in the center of the Pomerol plateau, of which it gets its appellation. A portfolio under the Jean-Pierre Moueix establishment, this wine house and company deals in right bank wines.
  
  A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this wine is oaky, with earthy tones and enriched with flavours from black berries.
  

• Chateau Cadet Soutard 2014, Saint Emilion Grand Cru
  RM200
  
  Another from the Saint-Émilion appellation, the Chateau Cadet Soutard is known for its limestone clay soils, which lends a unique flavour to its wines.
  
  This bottle of dark red offers a complex texture with a fruity palate, making it a medium-bodied balanced wine.
  
  
• Chateau Feytit-Clinet 2014, Pomerol
  RM353
  
  Another right-bank Pomerol appellation, this blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc is medium-bodied and red-fruit scented. The Chateau Feytit-Clinet is known for its soil that is rich in gravel and pebbles, permitting efficient drainage which then allows for the grapes to acquire desired maturity.

It is recommended that you store and serve your Bordeaux reds at around 18°C, and that you decant your bottles at least 30 minutes before tasting.
Bordeaux reds make suitable pairings for meals with beef, lamb, venison and even poultry.

You can order any of these wines via the GemSpot app; just use the search option under ‘Beverage Delivery’ to find the bottle you desire! Enjoy delivery at only RM3 (up to 15km) during the month of March.