Moving to Bordeaux and Learning about Wine
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Bordeaux is a beautiful region known for its exquisite wines.
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When you are moving to France, contact IntlMOVE for your international shipping needs.
Moving to Bordeaux means you will enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the world, but you will also get to enjoy some of the best wine.
Almost 90 percent of wine produced in Bordeaux is red, but white, rose and sparkling wines are also produced in this region of the world.
There are over 10,000 producers for Bordeaux wine and over 13,000 grape growers.
This wine-producing region is located in Southwest France near the Atlantic coast.
Bordeaux is perfect for winemaking because of the climate and geography.
The soil is rich with calcium because of the limestone that is the foundation of the region.
The soil is composed of sandy stone, gravel and clay.
The region is abundant with water that irrigates that land and provides an oceanic climate.
Merlot is the Bordeaux’s most planted grape variety while Cabernet Sauvignon is the second-most planted grape variety.
The regions of Bordeaux are usually separated into two parts – the right bank and the left bank.
Cabernet Sauvignon rules the left bank while Merlot and Cabernet Franc rule the right bank.
In addition to the two banks, Brodeaux is also broken up into five main districts which are Medoc, St. Emilion, Pomerol, Graves, and Sauternes.
Medoc is best known for its reds.
Graves produced dry whites and Sauternes produces sweet whites.
Blends
Most of the wine that comes from Bordeaux is made with blends of different grape varieties.
Red Bordeaux is made from a blend of grapes.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec can be used in this particular wine.
When people just refer to Bordeaux wine, they are typically referring to the “Bordeaux Blend.”
This is a top-quality Chateaux blend that is typically made from 70 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 15 percent Cabernet Franc and 15 percent Merlot.
White Bordeaux is typically made with 80 percent Semillon and 20 percent Sauvignon Blanc.
Semillon was once the most planted grape variety in Bordeaux, but it is still the most common white grape in Bordeaux.
Other varieties of grapes used in White Bordeaux are Colombard, Merlot Bland, Ondenc, Mauzac and Ugni Blanc.
Growing the Grapes
The use of chemicals and fertilizers has greatly declined in recent decades.
These harsh chemicals lowered the quality of the grapes grown in Bordeaux.
Although fertilizers are still used in some vineyards, the fertilizer is usually derived from compost rather than harsh chemicals.
In the more prestigious chateaux, grapes are hand-picked.
This is a monumental task due to the large sizes of the vineyards.
Some chateaux are harvested by machine, which has its advantages.
However, hand-picked grapes are preferred because of the controlled, delicate and selective process.
Winemaking
As mentioned earlier, almost all wines from Bordeaux are blended.
There are a few wine producers who make single-variety wines.
Due to the quality of the wine from Bordeaux, winemaking is a highly controlled process.
Stainless steel vats are used for fermentation, although wooden vats are sometimes used.
Technology has made crushing the grapes cheaper, easier and safer.
However the machines are not as gentle and can affect the quality of the wine.
Some wine producers do not crush the grapes before fermenting, which allows each grape to ferment individually.
Many chateaux use conveyor belts instead of pumps to move the grapes because conveyor belts are gentler.
Aging the wine is an important step.
For more serious wines, six months of in-barrel ageing is required although they can be aged as long as 20 months.
White wines can be an exception.
If you are moving to Bordeaux, take time to visit the different Chateaux to find a wine that pleases your sophisticated palate!
IntlMOVE best choice to ship household goods to France.
You’re moving to France, IntlMOVE is your best choice to ship your household goods to France.
Whether you are taking a complete household or a smaller shipment, IntlMOVE can provide any service you may need such as packing, crating or marine insurance.
IntlMOVE has its own consolidation warehouse in Miami, Florida where your shipment will be handled with the utmost care and attention.
IntlMOVE UK is part of IntlMOVE and is dedicated to overseeing all shipments going from the USA to all of Europe, especially France!
Let IntlMOVE ship your household goods; then you can relax and enjoy learning about your new country or if you are a returning citizen, maybe you will discover something new.
I first fell in love with France after watching Jacques Cousteau’s underwater adventures.
I immediately wanted to join his expeditions and travel onboard the Calypso.
The films and photographs by Mr. Cousteau of that magical under water world were and are spectacular.
My second love affair with France came with the discovery of Brie cheese.
Did you know that there are over 400 cheeses from France?
Brie, from the French Province of Brie which is located about 60 miles from Paris, is one of the most popular.
France is a country of history and great beauty.
Paris is the culture capital with the Louvre and Eiffel Tower.
The history includes WWI memorial and WWII landing beaches.
The beauty includes grand churches and cathedrals, vineyards, rolling hills and meadows, mountains, miles of coastline with sandy beaches, imposing cliffs and quaint villages with cobblestone streets.
Food is a passion for the French and it varies by region and is influenced by what is grown locally which means the cuisine is always fresh and flavorful.
Family values are important to the French and the extended family provides both emotional and financial support. The French take the responsibility of parenting very seriously.
Every country has its customs and culture and France is no exception.
In my opinion, these should be worldwide customs.
Public and private relationships have different rules.
Friendship involves frequent if not daily contact.
A handshake is the common form of greeting; kissing on the cheek is reserved for friends.
First names are used by friends and family; wait until you are invited to use someone’s first name.
When you are introduced to or greet someone on the street or in a shop, say good morning or good afternoon Sir or Madame; anything less is considered rude.
Punctuality is important. If you make an appointment or are invited to dinner, arrive on time. If you are going to be more than 10 minutes late, a phone call and explanation are expected.