Bordeaux: Vintage Wine Tasting With Charcuterie Board

Bordeaux, the renowned French wine region, offers a unique tasting experience that transports visitors through the decades. Hosted by the experts at Cousin and Compagnie, this intimate gathering allows guests to sample exquisite vintages from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, expertly paired with a curated selection of local charcuterie. As participants explore these rare, aged wines, they’ll uncover the nuances of Bordeaux‘s terroir and gain a newfound appreciation for the region’s winemaking traditions. This personalized exploration promises to leave a lasting impression on the palate and the mind.

Key Points

• Discover Bordeaux’s rich winemaking history through a vintage wine tasting experience featuring four carefully selected wines from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
• Savor the complex flavors of the aged wines as they are expertly paired with a curated selection of local charcuterie and cheese.
• Explore the shop’s extensive collection of organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, reflecting Bordeaux’s commitment to sustainable and artisanal winemaking.
• Gain insights into the distinct grape varieties, terroir, and centuries-old viticultural traditions that define Bordeaux’s renowned wine region.
• Enjoy a personalized tasting in an intimate setting, with a knowledgeable host guiding participants through the history and characteristics of each vintage wine.

Vintage Wine Tasting Overview

The vintage wine tasting experience in Bordeaux allows visitors to sample a selection of French wines from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, providing a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich winemaking history.

Participants will have the chance to taste four vintage wines, each carefully selected to showcase the evolution of Bordeaux’s renowned vintages over the decades.

The tasting will be accompanied by a pairing of local charcuterie and cheese, further enhancing the sensory experience.

Guests will gain insights into the history and traditions of Bordeaux’s wine industry from the knowledgeable host, making this an engaging and educational activity for wine enthusiasts.

Introducing Cousin and Compagnie

Cousin and Compagnie, one of the oldest independent wine shops in Bordeaux, serves as the venue for this vintage wine tasting experience.

Over 15 years ago, the shop was the first to introduce biodynamic and natural wines to the region, and now 90% of their wine range is organic, sourced from family estates and independent winemakers.

The intimate, welcoming space provides the perfect setting to discover the history and traditions of Bordeaux wines. Guests will learn about the grapes and taste the wines, pairing them with local charcuterie and cheese.

With its focus on sustainable, artisanal products, Cousin and Compagnie embodies the values of the Bordeaux wine region.

Biodynamic and Natural Wines

Over 15 years ago, Cousin and Compagnie was the first Bordeaux wine shop to champion biodynamic and natural wines, which now make up 90% of their diverse, family-estate and independent winemaker-focused inventory.

Biodynamic wines are produced using holistic, sustainable farming methods that treat the vineyard as a self-contained ecosystem. Natural wines, meanwhile, are minimally-processed, containing no added yeasts, sugars or sulfites.

Both styles offer a distinctive, terroir-driven flavor profile that appeals to adventurous oenophiles. Cousin and Compagnie’s selection showcases the finest examples from Bordeaux and beyond, giving visitors an opportunity to explore the dynamic world of natural and biodynamic viticulture.

Grapes and Traditions of Bordeaux

While Bordeaux is renowned for its prestigious chateaux and world-class wines, the region’s centuries-old viticultural traditions and diverse grape varietals form the true heart of its renowned terroir.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the principal red grapes, complemented by Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, each contributing unique aromatic and structural elements to the iconic Bordeaux blends.

Likewise, the white wines showcase the elegant interplay of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle, resulting in crisp, complex expressions that have captivated oenophiles for generations.

This rich tapestry of grape varieties, combined with Bordeaux’s distinct microclimate and soil compositions, has given rise to a wine culture steeped in history and tradition, making it a truly remarkable destination for wine enthusiasts.

Tasting the Vintage Wines

After exploring the storied grape varieties and traditions that define Bordeaux’s renowned terroir, the vintage wine tasting experience at Cousin and Compagnie offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the region’s rich winemaking heritage. Guests will have the chance to sample a curated selection of vintage French wines from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, each carefully paired with local charcuterie and cheese to enhance the tasting experience. The host will guide participants through the history and characteristics of each wine, allowing them to discover the nuances and evolution of these rare, aged vintages. By the end of the tasting, guests will have gained a newfound appreciation for the complexity and elegance of Bordeaux’s finest wines.

Vintage	Grape Varieties	Tasting Notes
1970s	Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot	Mature, velvety tannins, complex bouquet
1980s	Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc	Balanced acidity, subtle oak integration
1990s	Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot	Concentrated fruit, silky texture, long finish

Pairing Wines With Charcuterie

The vintage wines from Bordeaux pair exquisitely with the carefully curated selection of local charcuterie, each element complementing the other to create a harmonious tasting experience.

The rich, complex flavors of the aged wines are perfectly balanced by the savory notes of the cured meats. The charcuterie’s subtle spices and textures accentuate the wines’ nuanced characteristics, allowing participants to fully appreciate the unique terroir of each vintage.

The host expertly guides the tasters, explaining how the pairing enhances the overall tasting experience.

Together, the wines and charcuterie create a delightful sensory journey, transporting guests to the heart of Bordeaux’s winemaking traditions.

Duration and Group Size

The vintage wine tasting experience is limited to a 1-hour duration, allowing participants to savor each sip and pairing without feeling rushed. The group size is also kept small, with a maximum of 10 participants. This intimate setting ensures personalized attention from the host and a more immersive experience.

Aspect	Details
Duration	1 hour
Group Size	Limited to 10 participants
Benefit	Allows for savoring the wines and pairings without feeling rushed, and provides a more personalized experience.

This carefully curated wine tasting offers the perfect balance of exclusivity and leisurely exploration, making it an exceptional opportunity for wine enthusiasts to explore the rich history and traditions of Bordeaux.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This vintage wine tasting experience includes a sampling of four French wines from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, paired with local charcuterie and cheese.

However, it excludes hotel pickup and drop-off, and isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

The event takes place at Cousin and Compagnie, one of Bordeaux’s oldest independent wine shops, which has been introducing biodynamic and natural wines to the region for over 15 years.

Ninety percent of the shop’s wine range is organic, sourced from family estates and independent winemakers.

Participants will learn about the history and traditions of Bordeaux wines from the knowledgeable host during this intimate, one-hour tasting for a maximum of 10 guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Tasting?

No, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks to the wine tasting. The experience includes a curated selection of local charcuterie and cheese to pair with the vintage wines, and bringing outside items is not permitted.

Is There a Dress Code for the Event?

There is typically no strict dress code for a wine tasting event. However, it’s recommended to wear smart casual attire that allows you to comfortably enjoy the experience. Avoid overly casual clothing like shorts or flip-flops.

Can I Purchase the Wines Tasted During the Experience?

Yes, participants can purchase the wines tasted during the vintage wine tasting experience. The independent wine shop hosts the event and offers the opportunity to purchase the featured wines at the end of the tasting.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

Yes, the wine shop sometimes offers discounts on wine packages or if you purchase multiple bottles from the tasting. They may also have seasonal promotions to encourage customers to explore their selection of vintage and artisanal French wines.

Can I Cancel or Reschedule My Reservation if Needed?

Yes, customers can cancel or reschedule their reservation if needed. There may be fees associated with changes, so it’s best to check the policy before booking. The provider aims to accommodate customer needs where possible.

Recap

Bordeaux’s vintage wine tasting experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich winemaking history.

Guests can savor exquisite French wines from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, expertly paired with local charcuterie.

This intimate tasting provides a personalized exploration of Bordeaux’s terroir, allowing participants to discover the nuances and evolution of these rare, aged vintages and gain a newfound appreciation for the area’s winemaking traditions.