loupiac-vines

The Soft Side of Bordeaux

Versatility is its middle name
by

 

Adjectives such as vigorous, profound and aristocratic are often associated with the image of Bordeaux wine or, to be precise, clarets, especially those from the Left Bank, Right Bank and Graves. If Bordeaux were so exclusively and monotonously red, however, it would not command the respect that it does. 
 
Producing some of the world’s finest white wines and sweet wines, Bordeaux’s diversity is not just horizontal (regions and styles), but also vertical: from the mighty Grand Crus Classés to the price-competitive Cru Bourgeois and the numerous Petits Châteaux. Indeed Bordeaux seems to have something for everyone.
 
Comprising 43 percent and 16 percent respectively of Bordeaux’s aggregate output of sweet wine, Sauternes and Barsac no doubt are in pole position in both quantity and quality. Yet, sweet wines of notable character and quality are also produced in Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux (0.2%), Bordeaux Supérieur (1%), Côtes-de-Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire (1%), Cérons (1%), Cadillac (5%), Graves Supérieures (6%), Premières-Côtes-de-Bordeaux (6%), Sainte-Croix-du-Mont (9%) and Loupiac (9%).
 
If there is one unifying factor amongst the aforementioned 11 AOCs (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée), it is that their noble rot sweet wines feature the nectar-like Sémillon prominently, with the exotically aromatic Sauvignon Blanc and the florally musky Muscadelle in support. 
 
Reducing berries to shrivelled raisins and thereby concentrating flavour and sugar, Botrytis Cinerea does not however develop regularly, but depends vitally on the specific terroir and microclimate conditions of the regions. 
 
Preceding the Hundred Years’ War, Loupiac’s vinous history can be traced back to 13th century. With some 370ha under vine, Loupiac used to be part of Premières-Côtes-de-Bordeaux, but distinguished itself by way of quality.
 
At a recent tasting hosted by UbiFrance, Macau CLOSER had the unique opportunity to discover the lesser-known sweet wines of Bordeaux. Approachable, versatile and extremely food-friendly, sweet Bordeaux wines, following the footsteps of the regal clarets, have finally entered the East Asian market in earnest, winning the imagination of many a young drinker, especially ladies. 
 
 
 
 
Château la Fontaine 2010
 
This blend of 85% Sémilion and 15% Sauvignon Blanc was manually harvested from old vines (average 40 years, yielding 34hl/ha). Pale gold with glossy aureolin reflex, the exotic nose offers pomelo peel, pear, apricot and guava, imbued with hints of sea salt. Equally tropical, the palate delivers nectarine, kumquat, longan, fig and crystallised orange peel. Supported by ample acidity, the spicy entry continues through mid-palate, leading to a long finish. Medium-bodied and medium-sweet, this 13% sweet Loupiac offers remarkable price-quality ratio (MOP$125/bottle).
 
 
Domaine du Noble 2010
 
This blend of 80% Sémilion and 20% Sauvignon Blanc was manually harvested from old vines (average 50 years, yielding 28hl/ha). Creamy lemon-yellow with Naples yellow hues, the fragrant nose reveals lime, tangerine, red apple and peach, embellished with hints of elderflower. Highly aromatic, the palate supplies lime peel, apricot, nectarine, cinnamon and crystallised mandarin. Anchored by lively acidity, the floral entry continues through a spicy mid-palate, leading to a very long finish. Medium-bodied and medium-sweet, this 13% sweet Loupiac offers excellent price-quality ratio (MOP$185/bottle).
 
 
 
For innovation with a distinctive Bordeaux twist, why not try the following cocktail ideas?
 
Sweet Bordeaux X Cherry
Ingredients (per serving):
•  30cc sweet Bordeaux
•  20cc plum liqueur
•  Several drops of cherry liqueur
•  Some lemon peel
 
Sweet Bordeaux X Citrus
Ingredients (per serving):
•  40cc sweet Bordeaux
•  10cc orange liqueur
•  20cc grapefruit cream
•  Several drops of passion fruit jam
•  Some lemon and citrus peel
 
Sweet Bordeaux X Ginger
Ingredients (per serving):
•  30cc sweet Bordeaux
•  10cc cherry liqueur
•  20cc plum liqueur
•  10cc ginger liqueur
 
 
 
UbiFrance 
The French Agency for International Business Development
www.ubifrance.fr/chine
+852 3752 9178 
25/F Admiralty Centre Tower II, 18 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong
 
Les Halles Bordeaux
Gourmet & Organic Food from Bordeaux
www.leshallesbordeaux.com
+852 2613 2722
Splendid Center, 14/F A, 100 Larch Street, Hong Kong
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