On the road of the Médoc Grands Crus with Bordeaux 360
/Gastrology bloggers attended the tour courtesy of Bordeaux 360.
Bordeaux 360 provides a wonderful way to discover the Bordeaux wine region, allowing you to sit back, relax and take in all that this beautiful region has to offer.
With multiple itineraries to choose from (ranging from half day to full day tours), there are guided group tours to suit all tastes including tours of the Medoc, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and even Pessac Léognan and Sauternes.
Gastrology bloggers were delighted to attend Bordeaux 360’s “On the road of the Médoc Grands Crus” wine tour. Chloe, our knowledgeable and passionate guide, ensured the tour was both entertaining and informative.
Bordeaux 360 limits tour groups to a maximum of 8 people. This is vital as it ensures that you can get the most out of their professional guides.
Our first stop was Château Lagrange, Grand Cru Classé 1855 in Saint Julien. This absolutely beautiful estate boasts almost 115 hectares of vineyards, making Château Lagrange one of the largest wineries in the Médoc area.
While the Médoc is undoubtedly where the Cabernet Sauvignon best expresses its character, interesting Château Lagrange also makes a fruity dry white wine - a rare product in the Médoc. Located entirely within the appellation of Saint-Julien, the vineyard stretches in a single block over two North-South rises of gravelly soil. In parts large and coarse and in others finer, this gravel is combined with sand or iron-rich clay depending on the plot. The viticultural methods are carefully selected in the pursuit of perfection, whilst always respecting tradition.
The greatest of Château Lagrange vineyard’s terroirs are reserved for Cabernet Sauvignon, which covers 67% of the estate. Merlot makes up 28% of the vineyard while Petit Verdot (as a final touch) comprises 5%.
A subtle blend of tradition and modernity, we learned about the technology behind the production of their wine - from vinification within 92 temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to the blending and barrel ageing process.
Finally it was time to taste! We were privileged to taste 3 wines (with the final tasting being the 2008 vintage of Château Lagrange Grand Cru Classé). The wine was elegant, with concentrated blackcurrant fruit and excellent purity.
Our next stop was Château Reverdi, a Cru Bourgeois in Listrac Médoc where owner, Audrey Thomas, welcomed us with a visit of their cellar followed by a blending workshop.
After a presentation and tasting of the main grape varieties of the Médoc (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot), it was our turn to play the role of a winemaker and blend our own wine.
The workshop concluded with a tasting of 2 Château Reverdi wines, served with bread, cheese and local chocolates.
We immensely enjoyed our day in the sun with Bordeaux 360 exploring this majestic wine making region. For a wonderful overview of Bordeaux, you should definitely consider spending a day with Bordeaux 360.
Bordeaux 360 - Wine Tasting Tours
Phone:
: +33 (0) 556 923 231
Link:
http://www.bordeaux-wine-tasting-day-tours.com/en
Email:
Check out our Bordeaux wining and dining guide
.
