July 2026 - WInes of Bordeaux by Marjorie Legendre.

 

This Month was presented by Marjorie Legendre, Head of Wine at Leith’s Cookery school and a Wine educator. All wines from Bordeaux.

Bordeaux has had a rough time in the last decades, wine production is only about a half of what it was in the 20^th century due to changing habits, competition and other reasons. About 80% of the wine is Red, 15% White and the rest Cremant.

6 of the 8 wines are from The Wine Society, 1 and 7, from Waitrose. Some of the prices are approximate, and range from £10 to £28 (yikes!).

Sparkling

Cremant de Bordeaux, Ballarin, NV Cabernet Franc, Semillon, Muscadelle 12%. £13

White

Dourthe N1 Bordeaux Blanc, 2025 Sauvignon Blanc 12% £9.95

A de Chateau d'Arche, 2022 Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc 12.5%. £13

Red

Château de la Grave ‘Caractère', Côtes de Bourg 2022 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.0%. £11.95

Château Caronne Sainte Gemme, Haut-Médoc 2020 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. 12.5%. £18

Château Couhins Rouge, Pessac-Léognan 2016. 44% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. 14.5% £26

Chateau Cantin St-Emilion Grand Cru 2022 Merlot + Some Cabernet Franc. 15.5% £28

Dessert

Ulysse Cazabonne Sauternes. Semillon, + Some Sauvignon Blanc. 14.5% £11.50

 

The Cremant was as most French Cremants are, an excellent fizz, and an excellent alternative to Champage at a much lower cost.