Even Benjamin Franklin knew...
Let's talk Bordeaux wine.
As you may know, French wine is labeled by its originating region/appellation, instead of the grape variety. In fact, it has been said that Europe is merely a wine list in which the mental geography of Rheims, Rhine, Moselle, Bordeaux, Champagne, or Würzburg were not localities but libations.
While that sounds funny, there is a ring of truth to it and your AmaWaterways Taste of Bordeaux river cruise will take you thru two distinct wine-producing areas, the left bank and the right bank. So what makes them different?
On the left bank you will find the wine regions of Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Graves, Margaux, St. Julien, Pauillac, St. Estéphe and Pessac-Léognan.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the predominant red grape variety and you'll generally find blends to be 60-65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25-30% Merlot. Some winemakers may also use a small percent of Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc.
The tannins of the wine produced are noticeable but unobtrusive. The aroma is pronounced black currant, with green peppercorn notes.
The soil and land of the left bank are gravelly and flat, offering excellent drainage and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Moving over to the other side of the region, the right bank features the appellations of St. Émilion, Pomerol, and Fronsac.
Merlot is the dominant red grape variety found on the right bank. The wine produced consists of smoother tannins and more red fruit notes.
Cabernet Franc is the second most important variety of the right bank.
Wines from the right bank are generally ready to drink sooner than the left bank's wines. The right bank's soil contains clay, silt, sand, and limestone.
However, no matter which side of the river your Bordeaux wine comes from it is sure to soothe your soul and please your palette.