We are going to continue our virtual travel and tasting in France. From the left bank on Garonne river we are going to the right bank which is on the Dordogne river. This area also called -The Libournais, named for this historic capital-Libourne.
The Libournais appellations
- Saint-Émilion AOC
- Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC
- Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion AOC
- Lussac-Saint-Émilion AOC
- Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion AOC
- Pomerol AOC
- Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC
- Fronsac AOC
- Canon-Fronsac AOC
- Côtes-de-Castillon AOC
- Premières-Côtes-de-Franc AOC
Merlot grape dominate on this side of the river.
The soil of Bordeaux’s right bank is a limestone and clay, functioning like a sponge to hold water, making it the ideal soil to grow the softer side of early-ripening Merlot. With cooler soils, which simply aren‘t capable of ripening Cabernet Sauvignon on a regular basis, the earlier-ripening Merlot moves to the lead on the right bank, with Cabernet Franc and occasionally Malbec playing the major supporting roles. The Merlot-based wines of the Right Bank are generally more fruit forward and softer. Of course you can see Melot and Cabernet Sauvignon blends, but single varietal wines are popular here. Also those wines can be consumed much earlier than wines from the left bank.
Grape Varietals:
Red - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec
White - Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Another difference this side of the river is the size of the wine estates. The grand châteaux of the Left Bank are mostly large estates, whereas the Right Bank properties tend to be much smaller. It is more difficult to navigate through the many Château labels of the area.
For lighter and more acidic and fruitier wines food is a little lighter too-Chicken, rabbit, mushroom sauces, lamb, pork and duck.
I have a great example of the right bank wine
In the glass bright and deep purple.
On the nose intense red berries and vanilla aromas.
The wine is silky on the palate, fruity and acidic with firm tannins.
And I'll pair it with the smoked duck.
