A Sojourn for the Oenophile
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or the true wine lover, a trip to the Bordeaux region is the equivalent of the pilgrimage to Mecca, or embarking on a quest for the Holy Grail. This revered winemaking region is home to some of the most prestigious chateaus in the world, where each Grand Cru commands a higher price than the next, with the pricing and grading shrouded in mystery only adding to the allure. The wines of Bordeaux summate the French sense of perfectionism, where “challenging” vintages are blended in secretive proportions to create the ideal balance that would sway the palettes of the harshest critics. The somewhat arbitrary system of rank and classification, established in 1855 by Emperor Napoleon III, establishes an inherent hierarchy through different levels of grading,
By Hillary Latos
with the Premiere Grand Cru Classé at the top. Naturally, everything is priced accordingly.
The Gironde estuary divides the region into two distinct regions: the Left and the Right Banks. On the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary you have the cabernet-growing region with Margaux, Pauillac, Haut-Médoc, and also the sweeter Sauternes made from Sémillon grapes. The Right Bank features Merlot varietals with wineries from Saint-Émilion, Blaye, and Pomerol. One of the most relaxing and luxurious ways to explore this fascinating region is aboard the 5-star Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection for an all-inclusive experience that includes all gourmet meals, excursions, beverages, and gratuities. Embark on Uniworld’s River Royal, traversing both banks, with daily walking tours of charming cities and important winegrowing towns, to give a comprehensive and in-depth firsthand experience.
99 • Resident June 2015