About the Author - Mark Pagliaro is an experienced winemaker and a creative force behind Cellar Beast Winehouse. With years of experience in crafting award-winning wines like the celebrated "Grand Mélange," Mark has a deep understanding of Bordeaux blends and their unique appeal. His passion for winemaking and meticulous attention to detail have positioned him as a trusted voice in the wine industry.
As a seasoned winemaker with 20 years of experience tucked under my belt, I’ve had the pleasure of swirling, sipping, and savoring my way through countless bottles of wine and barrels through many wine regions with many wine lovers and wine enthusiasts, subscribing to a multitude of premium wine clubs, and finally finding a home with a team of wine makers that share my passion for vintage wines. Today, I’m here to share the joyous journey of Right Bank Bordeaux wines—a region that holds a special place in my heart, and my cellar. As the author of the Grand Mélange, the award-winning Right Bank Style Bordeaux, I have found a way to finally give merlot the respect that it deserves!
The Riches of the Right Bank
Nestled in the lush landscapes of Bordeaux, the Right Bank is a winemaker’s canvas, painted with the deep hues of Merlot and the complex contours of Cabernet Franc. While our cousins on the Left Bank might raise glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon-led blends, we on the Right Bank hail to the superior Merlot. This region, which includes famed appellations like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, produces wines that are as rich in flavor as they are in history.
Merlot—The Star of the Show
Merlot, my dear friends, wine connoisseurs and wine lovers, is the reigning grape here, known for its softer, more sumptuous profile compared to the more austere Cabernet Sauvignon. What makes Merlot enchanting is its approachability—the tannins are plush, the body is full, and the palate caressed with layers of juicy plums, black cherries, and a kiss of chocolate and spice. It’s like diving into a velvety pile of autumn leaves, with all the warmth and none of the cleanup!
A Dash of Cabernet Franc
We can’t forget about Cabernet Franc, which plays a critical supporting role in many of our Right Bank blends. This grape adds a dash of spice and of floral notes, enhancing the complexity of the wine. It’s the secret ingredient that, when blended with Merlot, brings out a wine’s personality—think of it as the charismatic friend who knows just how command presence in a room.
Saint-Émilion: Elegance in a Glass
One cannot speak of the Right Bank without being poetic about Saint-Émilion. If Bordeaux wines were a royal court, Saint-Émilion would undoubtedly be the graceful queen. The wines here are deep, complex, and seductive. With each sip, you’re greeted with an elegant tangle of blackberry, ripe raspberry, and hints of earth and iron—a testament to the diverse terroir that ranges from limestone to clay.
The Joy of Aging
Saint-Émilion wines aren’t just beautiful in their youth; they age with unparalleled grace. Over time, the robust fruitiness mellows, and the wines develop sophisticated notes of cigar box, truffle, and leather. They transform into something profoundly exquisite, much like how a lively conversation turns into cherished memories.
Pomerol Wines: The Hidden Gem
Then there’s Pomerol, the smaller, somewhat mysterious sibling with wines that are as rich and powerful as they are rare, with much credit due to wine writer Robert Parker's focus on promoting lesser known regions. While Pomerol might not have the official classification of grand châteaux like other Bordeaux regions, it commands respect and adoration with its opulent, silky wines. Notes of plum, blackcurrant, and a luxurious, velvety texture make each bottle from Pomerol a treasure trove of sensory delights. Like other Bordeaux regions, Pomerol doesn’t have a standardized classification, but its expensive wines remain unquestionably among the best in the world.
Terroir and Grape Varieties
The terroir of Pomerol, which comprises gravel soils on clay subsoils, makes Merlot ideally suited. In this setting, the wines take on their own depth and depth. Merlot dominates, but a few drops of Cabernet Franc are added to add dimension and depth.
Flavor Profile and Aging Potential
Pomerol wines are known for their luxurious velvety mouthfeels and intricate aromas. Most often, they will be replete with ripe plums, black cherries, truffles, and earthy notes. Starting their aging process in French oak barrels, these perfect wines are highly age-worthy, the tannins beautifully structured, which give out layers upon layers for the wine collectors with patience.
Notable Estates
The appellation boasts several elite wine estates such as Château Pétrus, Château Rouget, Chateau Lafleur, L'Eglise Clinet, and Le Pin, which are wine producers internationally famous for their high-quality, limited production. These exceptional wines are sought-after by wine collectors and tasters from around the world.
Food Pairings
Pomerol wines go well with any meal. These high-quality wines are hearty and go well with roasted meats, game, and stews. They also go well with dishes made with truffles or mushrooms, adding richness to earthy flavors.
A Taste of the Exotic
Pomerol also occasionally flirts with flavors that border on the exotic—think hints of star anise or smoky incense, which add a touch of mystery to the wine. Drinking a Pomerol is like reading a thrilling novel that you simply can’t put down—you’re captivated, enchanted, and always longing for just one more page.
Pairing Right Bank Wines
Pairing Right Bank bottles of wines is as joyful an affair as making them. Their richness and depth make them perfect companions to hearty dishes. A glass of Saint-Émilion with a slow-cooked lamb stew, or a Pomerol alongside a truffled beef tenderloin, elevates a meal from a simple dinner to a celebratory feast. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, try them with a dark chocolate dessert for a match that’s both bold and delightful.
In Closing: A Toast to the Right Bank
So, whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice ready to dive into the world of Bordeaux wines, the Right Bank offers a palate-pleasing panorama of possibilities. These wines speak of their heritage with every grape, every bottle, and every sip. They tell a story of the land, the people, and the passion that goes into each vintage. Continue your wine education through Wine Basics.
Here’s to the Right Bank and the Grand Mélange —may these excellent wines continue to inspire and delight us for many years to come. Cheers, my friends, to good wine, great company, and unforgettable moments!
Try our exclusive Grand Mélange, inspired by the bold flavors of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.
About Cellar Beast:
Our expert team of wine makers, wine experts, and sommeliers offer exclusive access to a superb collection of dry wines that will redefine your perception customer service and of wine flavors, appealing to even the most refined wine enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs. Located just minutes from the Lizard Creek Inn, our wine campus offers a unique selection of varietals from leading wine regions, with a focus on French varieties, setting us apart in an area typically associated with sweeter wines. Joining a tasting with our celebrated team is comparable to taking an in-depth wine course; it's crafted to ignite your taste buds, deepen your understanding of aromas from primary to tertiary, involve you in blind tastings, and help you appreciate the unique bottles of wine that bear the Cellar Beast emblem. Many of our patrons are motivated to expand their wine knowledge at the Wine School of Philadelphia. We also offer exclusive bottle quantities, including sparkling wines, natural wines, selections to our wine club members, elevating your expectations of wine quality. As a woman-owned winery, Cellar Beast has garnered prestigious accolades across the wine industry, including Double Golds and Best in Class at various wine competitions, with ratings as high as 97 points. Our 2022 vintage of Grand Melange made its first external event appearance at a BlacOak Wine festival.
Wine club membership benefits offers a wide variety of exclusive bottles of wine selected only for wine club members. Membership is available as a quarterly club or with an annual commitment, both of which offer exclusive discounts, discounts on special events, wine club events and super premium offerings of delicious wines to include white wines, roses, and red wines. We have the ability accept credit cards for wine shipments to most states as well as offering gift cards for membership to others.
References:
- Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB)
- A comprehensive resource for all things Bordeaux, including terroirs, appellations, and winemaking techniques.
- Wine Spectator: Bordeaux Overview
- Detailed information about Bordeaux's wine regions, classifications, and key differences between the Left and Right Banks.
- Decanter: Guide to Bordeaux Wine Regions
- Offers expert insights into Bordeaux appellations, with specific details about Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.
- MasterClass: Right Bank vs. Left Bank Bordeaux
- A beginner-friendly breakdown of the differences between Bordeaux's wine regions, focusing on terroir and grape varieties.
- Saint-Émilion Wine Tourism
- Official website of Saint-Émilion, offering historical and cultural context about the region’s wines and vineyards.
- Wine-Searcher: Bordeaux Wine Overview
- Includes data on Right Bank wine styles, aging potential, and market trends for Bordeaux wines.
- Pomerol Appellation Overview
- Detailed exploration of the Pomerol appellation, including notable producers and Merlot's role in the region.
- Jancis Robinson: Bordeaux Insights
- Articles and resources from renowned wine critic Jancis Robinson, focusing on Bordeaux's history and its wines.
- The Drinks Business: Bordeaux Wine Trends
- Industry trends and insights into Bordeaux's popularity in global markets.
- Bordeaux Vintage Chart by Wine Enthusiast
- A vintage chart highlighting the best years for Right Bank Bordeaux wines, which can add historical context to the article.
