Wednesday, October 7, 2015

AFFORDABLE FRENCH BORDEAUX FOR FALL FROM MICHAEL MADRIGALE HEAD SOMMELIER BAR BOULUD, NEW YORK

JAMES BEARD AWARD NOMINEE PICKS GREAT FRENCH WINES THAT PROVE
BORDEAUX DOESN'T MEAN EXPENSIVE

By Dwight Casimere

NEW YORK--Michael Madrigale has dedicated his attention over the last few years to championing the terrific lesser known, and therefore inexpensive, wines from France's Bordeaux region. When most people think of Bordeaux, their minds automatically turn to the celebrated "first growth" premiere wines from Chateau Haut-Brion, Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Marquaux. These wines command top dollar and the prices at times can reach the stratosphere. A case of Chateau Petrus 1990, for example,  sold for more than $45,000 at a recent wine auction at Sotheby's in New York.

As Head Sommelier at midtown Manhattan's Bar Boulud, he's had ample opportunity to compare the relative merits of the finest French Bordeaux's.  By way of resume', he was named  Food and Wine Magazine and Wine Enthusiast "Top Sommelier of The Year" in 2012 and a 2014 James Beard Award nominee.
Michael Madrigale in action at the Goldmine of Planet Bordeaux Wines tasting event

"These wines are electric, Madrigale expressed, during a recent intimate tasting with a select group of wine media and buyers. "They have vitality and truly speak for the terroir and the region. They are true Bordeaux in every way. Although the wines aren't aged as long as their more expensive counterparts, the same amount of care goes into creating them."

                                                
Michael Rigney of Wineberry America at the Midtown Loft A Goldmine of Planet Bordeaux Wines


That means a significant amount of satisfaction and value for the wine consumer. Madrigale demonstrated the point at a series of events, including tastings at Bar Boulud and sister restaurants Epicerie Boulud and Boulud Sud, where he also serves as Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer, culiminating in a food and wine seminar and walk-around tasting for the A Goldmine of Planet Bordeaux Wines trade event at the scenic Midtown Loft and Terrace in New York City.

A special feature of the event was a live streaming via Skype of the actual crush underway at that very moment in Bordeaux with the winemaker and staff at Chateau Reignac on hand to explain the step-by-step process of harvesting, sorting and fermenting the grapes for the new vintage. It was an exciting edition to an otherwise engrossing tasting experience. Paired with cuisine inspired by the culinary team at Bar Boulud,  Madrigale proved that affordable Bordeaux can make your introduction to Fall and its  cuisine an unparalleled delight!



 The winemaking team at Chateau Reignac appeared in a live stream during Bordeaux Harvest

                                     
 Among  wines selected by Head Sommelier Michael Madrigaleis this Chateau Turcaud 2013-$16.95


Another terrific bargain is this Chateau Lamothe de Haux 2013 Blanc for only $12.99
A panoply of Bordeaux 'petite stars' ranging in price from $9.99-$29.99

From left to right, Chateau Carmarsac Bordeaux Red-$12.99, Chateau Turcaud-$16.95, Chateau L'isle Fort-also $16.95



Dwight Casimere (Dwight The Wine Doctor) with Head Sommelier Michael Madrigale in the wine cellar tasting room at Bar Boulud
Dana Bruneau PR Associate-CreativeFeed, New York City
Assorted small bites at Bar Boulud that pair well with these 'petite' Bordeaux


Michael Madrigale leads the tasting session for wine media at Bar Boulud


Michael Madrigale speaking at the tasting seminar at Midtown Loft and Terrace

                                      
Food pairings were a vital part of the day's session



The live stream of the harvest from Chateau Reignac in Bordeaux


                                      






The wine and food pairing at the tasting seminar and (Below) the stunning view from Midtown Loft and Terrace

SOME ADDITIONAL PICKS FOR AFFORDABLE BORDEAUX FROM MICHAEL MADRIGALE


1) Château La Maroutine 2012 (Bordeaux Blanc) $9.99 
2) Château Thieuley 2013 (Bordeaux Blanc) $12.95 
3) Dourthe, La Grande Rosé 2012 (Bordeaux) $9.99 
4) Pey La Tour, Rosé 2013 (Bordeaux) $12.95
5) Clos Monicord 2010 - (Bordeaux Superieur) $30.00







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