'12 Chateau de Cugat 9/34

'12 Château de Cugat Bordeaux…..9/34
Bordeaux, France
black currant, spice, full

A little bit about Bordeaux:

Almost all Bordeaux wines are blends of the same nine varietals. Red wines are blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with guest stars Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. White wines are made of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, with regular appearances from Muscadelle and Ugni Blanc. Each blend varies from wine to wine, and appellation to appellation, which can be hard to keep track of since there are about sixty appellations in all.

The Chateau de Cugat is a Bordeaux Supérieur, meaning the wine was made in Bordeaux and met the requirements to be recognized as a Bordeaux, but did not meet the specifications for refined classification. Does that mean they’re not awesome? No way! Bordeaux Supérieur wines are awesome easy-drinkers, simple and supple with tons of flavor but without having to think about them too much. 

Chateau de Cugat is from the Bordeaux region Entre deux Mers (translation - between 2 seas).  While the region is not exactly between 2 seas it is between 2 rivers - the Garonne and the Dordogne.  

While the Entre deux mers is more notably known for the white wines they create they also produce reds they generally fall under the title Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superieur.  The Superieur label is just that, a superior Bordeaux.  These wines have an elevated ripeness and are considered better value to the consumer.

The bouquet on the Chateau de Cugat is filled with spice, with a touch of blackcurrant and tobacco. The palate is also quite spicy and dry, with a prickly finish.