The charm of deep red Bordeaux, enjoyed in the long autumn nights

As autumn deepens and the air becomes clearer in the mornings and evenings, you’ll find yourself reaching for a glass of light white wine or chilled rosé, instead of a rich red wine that you can enjoy while relaxing.

The red wine produced by France’s Bordeaux, one of the world’s most famous wineries, has a complex aroma and a solid structure, making it the perfect accompaniment to long autumn nights when you can enjoy reading or listening to music.

Different expressions on the left and right banks: terroir and grape characteristics

The essence of Bordeaux wine lies in the differences in soil between the “Left Bank” and “Right Bank” of the Gironde River, and the skillful blending of varieties to match these differences.

• Medoc-Graves area (left bank) Cabernet Sauvignon, which grows in gravelly, well-drained soil, plays the leading role. It is characterized by concentrated fruit flavors such as cassis and blackberry, firm tannins (astringency), and a firm structure reminiscent of cedar and spice.
• Saint-Émilion-Pomerol (Right Bank) Mainly ``Merlot,’’ which shines in cool clay and calcareous soils. It has a plump fruit flavor like plums and ripe cherries, and a velvety smooth texture. It has a mild bitterness and a friendly taste.

Tips on uncorking and temperature to bring out the deliciousness

The golden rules for enjoying a rich Bordeaux wine are not to chill it too much'' and to incorporate air.''

• Appropriate temperature: 16-18℃ (slightly cooler than room temperature). If it is too cold, the astringency will harden and the rich aroma will be lost.
• Uncorking beforehand: By removing the cork 30 minutes to 1 hour before drinking, or pouring it into a glass and swirling it slowly to expose it to air, the closed bouquet (matured aroma) will gradually open up.

The perfect marriage to snuggle up to on an autumn night

Rich Bordeaux goes well with slightly rich dishes that incorporate the flavors of autumn.

It goes perfectly with roast beef, roasted duck meat, sautéed mushrooms, and a dish of figs, which are in season in autumn, with blue cheese and aged Comté. Enjoy the slowly changing aroma in the glass while listening to your favorite music.