Whether you are a collector or merely a drinker, French wine is often considered the top of the ladder in terms of taste, clarity and aroma. And if French wine is the top of the ladder, Bordeaux wine rests at the very apex, and is considered one of the best wines to have in your cellar (or in your glass). But are there any affordable Bordeaux wines?
“Affordable” means something different to everyone on earth, but we’ll assume you aren’t looking for $500 bottles. Following are ten of the most affordable Bordeaux wine options on the market today.
1- 2006 Château Puy-Blanquet
This French wine blend comes from the St. Emilion appellation in the Bordeaux region, and retails between $24 and $28 per bottle. It has a light, almost citrus flavor with hints of honey and earth, and is primarily comprised of Merlot.
2- 2005 Château Malbat
This is one of the most drinkable French wine options on the market, with soft tannins and the aromas of black and red fruits. It costs anywhere between $8.25 and $12.99 depending on the vendor, and this Bordeaux wine is best served right away.
3- 2003 Clos Jean
Hailing from the Loupiac Bordeaux region, the 2003 Clos Jean comes from one of the most respected châteaux in the area, and is rooted in 80 percent Semillon. It works well as a dessert wine, though it can also be paired with lean meats and pasta for around $30.
4- 2004 Château Canon-la-Gaffelière
Another French wine option from the St. Emilion appellation, this Bordeaux wine is a very balanced offering with intense, complex flavors. It has a slightly fruity undercurrent with notes of cedar, honey and spice. You can find it for under $16.
5- 2005 Château Guiraud Cheval Blanc
From the Côtes de Bourg appellation, this Bordeaux wine costs around $14, and is much different from the others mentioned in that, although red, it carries strong flavors of peach and other yellow fruit. You will also taste mint and heavy minerals with a very palatable acidity.
6- 2003 Château Fombrauge
This French wine is a more sophisticated offering from the St. Emilion Bordeaux region, and carries a heavier price tag at $28 per bottle. It has a rustic, almost earthy flavor with red fruits and caramel thrown in.
7- Château de Chantegrive
If you are looking for a rich, acidic Bordeaux wine, this is the perfect choice. Costing only $19 per bottle, this is an excellent choice for the casual drinker who enjoys high flavor with beef and other red meat dishes. Like most French wine from the Graves appellations, this particular vintage is a sweet and robust choice.
8- 2000 Château la Louviere
From the Pessac-léognan appellation on the left bank, Château la Louviere is sweet and powerful with a very intense finish. It is one of the few affordable Bordeaux wine options that can retain its flavor and nose through several years of cellaring, and is definitely a bargain at $39.
9- 2006 Château LaGrange
One of the best Bordeaux wines from the St. Julien region, this French wine is fruity and spicy at the same time, with a spicy herbal aroma. It is very dark in color – plum in the light – and costs around $40 a bottle.
10- 2001 Château du Grand Mouëys
If you are looking for an affordable Bordeaux wine with a strong aroma and light finish, this bottle is perfect for you. The 2005 vintage is also pleasant, and you can find it for less than $15.00.
Sources:
Snooth.com, Chateau Fombrauge
Snooth.com, Château de Chantegrive
Snooth.com, Château du Grand Mouëys
