Bordeaux Supérieur is an appellation level applied to wines produced in the Generic area of the Bordeaux PDO. They are produced from the classic Bordeaux Grape varieties. The reds are, as the name suggests, intended to be a slightly "superior" form of the standard Bordeaux AOC wines. They are therefore heavily based on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
Some wines may feature the "lost child" of Bordeaux, Carménère. Small quantities of white wine are produced. However, as the wines must be Sweet, this does not represent a level of quality as is the case for the red designation. These wines are generally made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
Some blends may include Muscadelle, Ugni Blanc and Merlot Blanc. Similarly, the Graves Supérieures appellation is specific to sweet white wines. Only two French wine regions have adopted the concept of having a "superior" level for their appellations. The other is Beaujolais.
Carménère is a grape variety of Bordeaux origin. It is the result of a cross between Cabernet Franc and Gros Cabernet. In France, it occupies only about ten hectares, but it is also grown in Chile, Peru, the Andes, California, Italy and Argentina. The leaves of the carmenere are shiny and revolute. Its berries are round and medium-sized. Carménère is susceptible to grey rot, especially in wet autumn. It can also be exposed to the risk of climatic coulure, which is why it is important to grow it on poor soil and in warm areas. Carménère is associated with an average second ripening period. This variety has only one approved clone, 1059. It can be vinified with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It produces a rich, highly coloured wine, which acquires character when combined with other grape varieties.
wines from the region of Bordeaux Supérieur go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, veal or game (deer, venison) such as recipes of sweet and sour turkish dumpling soup (eksili köfte), simple and fragrant roast veal or blood duck (tour d'argent).
On the nose in the region of Bordeaux Supérieur often reveals types of flavors of cherry, earthy or tobacco and sometimes also flavors of plum, black fruits or black currant. In the mouth in the region of Bordeaux Supérieur is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
