Bordeaux's First Growth Wines | Explained by a Master Sommelier

Bordeaux's First Growth Wines | Explained by a Master Sommelier

Author: SESSION in PROGRESS September 5, 2024 Duration: 17:28

You WON'T believe what we paid for this bottle!

Master Sommelier Carlos Santos discusses Bordeaux wines, specifically the first five growth wines, while tasting a bottle of 1988 La Mission Haut-Brion and talking about its history and classification.

They also touch on the concept of super second growth wines and second wines of famous Château's. Do we dare compare Bordeaux wines to Australian wines? Discuss the importance of their individual terroir. Plus they reveal the pricing of the 1989 La Mission Haut-Brion and the great deal they got at auction.

🔖 Bordeaux wines, first growth, super second growth, second wines, terroir, pricing

Takeaways

  • First growth wines in Bordeaux are highly prestigious and include five top Château's.
  • Super second growth wines are highly regarded and often outperform some first growths.
  • Second wines of a chateau are made from lesser quality grapes and are more affordable.
  • Terroir plays a significant role in the quality and characteristics of Bordeaux wines. 
  • Auction can be a great way to find good deals on expensive wines.

Sound Bites

"We are drinking Bordeaux wines, baby."

"What are the first five growths?"

"Definitely gone into the tertiary flavours, but still a little bit of fruit hanging on in there."

Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours. The Sponsor of Got Somme https://www.grays.com/search/wine

Podcast and YouTube created, produced and edited by www.sessioninprogress.com.au

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Tasting 1988 La Mission Haut-Brion 

02:10 - Exploring Bordeaux's First Growth Wines

05:12 - Tasting Notes and the Use of the Term 'First Growth'

10:21 - The Significance of Terroir in Bordeaux Wines

13:36 - Understanding Second Wines of a Chateau

15:31 - Finding Great Deals on Bordeaux Wines at Auction

 

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Ever felt a bit lost staring at a wine list or wondering what you're actually tasting in your glass? Got Somme is here to help, without any of the pretence. This isn't a stuffy lecture; it's a conversation between Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and his mate, radio announcer Angus O'Loughlin, who's keen to learn but starting from scratch. Each episode, Carlos guides Angus-and by extension, all of us-through the fundamentals, breaking down everything from grape varieties and regional styles to understanding why a wine tastes the way it does. The real magic happens when they're joined by some of the world's most respected winemakers, who share the stories and craft behind their bottles. You'll hear Carlos explain how to pick a good wine from a bad one, demystifying terms like tannin and terroir along the way. It's an accessible, often funny journey into wine, perfect for anyone who enjoys a glass but wants to understand the world behind it. Produced by SESSION in PROGRESS, this podcast turns curiosity into genuine knowledge, one bottle at a time.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 100

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