Book Review: Oz Clarke’s Bordeaux: The wines, the vineyards, the winemakers

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As I gear up to complete my WSET Diploma with a Unit 3: Light Wines of the World exam in two weeks, I’m discovering a new studying style that works well for me: delving deep into books that explore a range of topics within individual wine regions.

I am three fourths of the way through the latest edition of Oz Clarke’s Bordeaux and can’t recommend it enough – Clarke’s style of simple yet intelligent and witty prose, along with a steady but not overwhelming stream of facts is helping me grasp easily one of the most mind-boggling and commercially important wine regions on the planet.

His passion for the subject is clearly evident in his writing, and is definitely inspiring a thirst in me, not only to enjoy fine wine as I read, but also to do a great job writing my theory essays on exam day. Hopefully I can convey my thoughts and feelings on the exam material in an equally transparent way, and achieve a good grade!

Domaine Langlois Saumur Champigny 2010

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Still enjoying the red wines of winter but looking for a transitional tipple for spring? Consider this Loire Cabernet Franc. With soft light black fruit flavors, a refreshing underlying bitter, mineral tone and gentle tannins, this is a delicate red to ease you into those long days of summer. Enjoy it a little cooler than your normal red wine, perhaps along with some herbal dishes such as fish stew with anise, or ratatouille. $18 at LCBO.

Max Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2009

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Steely, minerally aromas of chalk, lemon, lime, and fresh apple yield to a delicate palate of light and juicy fruit with a fine backbone of chalky acidity. This wine shows particularly intense fruitiness – very good concentration of flavours here along with the acidity suggest this can be enjoyed a couple more years from now. Dangerously chuggable at a low 8.5% a.b.v. – $20 at LCBO Vintages.

Okay, fine – I’ve pretty much given a tasting note here of what to expect in just about every quality Mosel Riesling. What I think this really means, though, is that this winegrowing region is so consistent for good quality wines – pick just about any reputable producer and you won’t be misled or disappointed.

Just keep in mind the keywords below to guide you from label to label – this list describes German (and Austrian) wines from typically driest and lightest in body to typically sweetest and fullest in body. Then sip away and enjoy all that cool climate Riesling has to offer!

Sweetness Keywords
- Kabinett
- Spatlese
- Auslese
- Beerenauslese
- Eiswein
- Trockenbeerenauslese