What is a bordeaux style blend??

Bordeaux style blend seems to be all of the rage these days, but what does it mean?? The term “Bordeaux

style” is typically used to refer to a wine, not directly to grapes, it implies something about the grapes used to make the wine. In the actual Bordeaux region of France, red wines are blended from the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot grapes. (Bordeaux-style whites are blended from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle.)

of these kinds of wines are made all over the world, and outside of Bordeaux, they’re often referred to as “Bordeaux-style.” But it’s not a regulated term, so whether and how it’s used will vary from vintner to vintner. Typically, it describes a proprietary blend, most often one that’s based on Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Most Bordeaux-style blends use only the approved grapes of the Bordeaux region, but some invoke the “spirit” of blends and add in Zinfandel, Syrah or other grapes.

Some people also refer to Bordeaux-style reds as “claret,” an old term that goes back to the wine trade in England. Others use the term “Meritage” (which rhymes with “heritage”), a trademarked name for registered wines that are blended from Bordeaux grape varieties. Across the Okanagan valley you see both terms use, there are at least 20 vines valley wines that can be classified as Bordeaux blends and yes some call themselves Meritage. 

C.C. Jentsch Cellars has its own Bordeaux blend called “The Chase”. The name "The Chase was coined as a statement for the quest for excellence, but I think it has more to do with the chase betwwen the rabbitt and the tiger on the label, each representing the owners Betty and Chris. In its first release, the wine received recognition both abroad and at home, receiving a bronze medal at Decanter 2014 and best of Varietal at this year’s Okanagan Spring Wine Festival. Tasting notes for “The Chase” are below. If your favorite liquor store does not carry it, make sure you ask for it to be brought in.

The Chase 2012

Cabernet Franc 11%, Cabernet Sauvignon 34%, Malbec 7.5%, Merlot 35%, Petit Verdot 12.5%

This deep ruby Bordeaux-style blend has toasty vanilla and mocha aromas intermingling with brighter notes of blackcurrant and raspberry. The palate carries red and black fruit flavours with a hint of Christmas cake and classic white pepper, all wrapped up in a mouth-watering savouriness.

PACIFIC RIM WINE COMPETITION, CALIFORNIA – BRONZE, BC BEST OF VARIETAL COMPETITION, OKANAGAN – FINALIST

Decanter UK 2014- Bronze

Alcohol 13.0% Acid 7.4g/L Residual Sugar 0.9 g/L