BORDEAUX’S BEST GENERIC BRANDS

Bordeaux has the greatest reputation for red wine in the world, but as in all regions, ordinary wines do exist. In fact, the majority of wines produced in any region is very ordinary, and Bordeaux is no exception. Remember that more than money separates Mouton Cadet from Château Mouton- Rothschild. While the former might be the most famous of all generic Bordeaux brands, it is merely the blended product of relatively inferior wines grown anywhere within the vast départemental appellation of Bordeaux, while the latter is a selection of one of the finest wines grown on a single estate—a premier cru classé in the small, communal AOC of Pauillac. As a branded generic Bordeaux wine can be a disappointing introduction to the world’s greatest wine region, the following brands are suggested as reliable choices:

DOURTHE NUMÉRO 1
Probably the best, largest-selling branded Bordeaux available.

LA COUR PAVILLON
One of the most reliable and underrated generic Bordeaux wines on the market at the moment. Made at Château Loudenne, this wine always displays good fruit, but possesses enough structure to keep for a while.

MAÎTRE D’ESTOURNEL
This has the same connection to Château Cos d’Estournel as “Mouton Cadet” has to Château Mouton-Rothschild, which is absolutely nonexistent as far as the wine is concerned, but both brands hope to sell on the back of their respective château name. There is however, a fundamental difference between the two, of course: “Maître d’Estournel” happens to be an expressive, early-drinking wine that can also take a few years in bottle, whereas “Mouton Cadet” is mutton posing as lamb.

MICHEL LYNCH
Produced by Michel Cazes of Château Lynch-Bages in an unashamedly up-front, fruity style. Red, white, and rosé are all thoroughly
recommended.

PREMIUS EXIGENCE
Produced by Yvon Mau, the step up between the premium Premius and Premius Exigence is about as big as it can get for two wines sharing the
same brand. The stricter selection of grapes and no-expense-spared handling shows through in the richer, oak-layered fruit.

SICHEL SIRIUS
This is as serious as it sounds. An excellent oakaged generic Bordeaux, it will improve for a further year or two in bottle.