[HOW TO SPEAK GEEK]
Exploring the world of food and wine
LYLE FUJIOKA
Bordeaux is the most recognized wine-producing region in the world. Even those who don't drink wine have heard of Bordeaux. Bordeux can be
a value buyWithin the last couple of years, with the awesome price increase of California's Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet and Merlot), people have begun to look elsewhere, such as Chile, Italy and Spain, for both quality and value.
This California pricing issue has become so critical that attention has turned to Bordeaux for economic relief. This prestigious growing region has never been perceived as a source for value wines.
Those Bordeaux classifications known as cru bourgeois, and other petite chateaux, are the ones we would like to draw attention to.
A Bordeaux, at this level, is charming and approachable, can offer depth and complexity, and has every bit of the stuff that you need and want for the perfect dining experience.
California reds, in contrast, have a tendency toward high alcohol, powerful wood influence and an aggressive nature, which can overwhelm and distort food flavors.
Bordeaux wines do not characteristically have these aggressive displays. Their depth and complexity becomes wonderfully apparent when paired with foods.
Try it for yourself: On Friday, Sam Choy's Diamond head will offer a tasting of newly arrived Bordeaux wines. A fee of $20 includes a variety of food to sample along with the wines.
1998 Moulin de La Lagune, Haut Medoc $19.95: This has delicate but very generous ripe fruit aromas, cherry, blueberry, and plummy scents are there, along with light earthy leather and cedar. Femininely powerful fruit on the palate, following through the middle and a nice lengthy finish. Try this with something like Grilled Herb encrusted Salmon, or pates. Values on the vine
1998 Moulin Citran, $15.95: Ripe cherry and plummy fruit is forward and inviting in this wine, rich in texture, friendly balance, easy drinking -- a great introduction to the wines of Bordeaux for those who wish to explore beyond California Merlot. Soft tannins and ripe fruit make this wine lovely to enjoy on its own, or with foods such as beef stew or meatloaf. It even matches well with perfectly done Roast Duck from "Duck Lee" in Market City Shopping Center.
Lyle Fujioka owns Fujioka's Wine Merchants.
"How to Speak Geek" is a weekly lesson in wine pairing written by a rotating panel of wine professionals
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