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Bordeaux Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC wines will compete for gold once again at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition this spring. The LAIWSC is pleased to announce the return of the distinguished competition created especially for Bordeaux AOC & Bordeaux Supérieur AOC wines in conjunction with the Bordeaux AOC & Bordeaux Supérieur AOC Vintners’ Association (Maison des Bordeaux), and coordinated by Bordeaux-based Vin’Animus.
Celebrating its 71st year, the LAIWSC – named by USA Today as one of the Top Five wine competitions in the United States – will bring together an international panel of judges to taste nearly 3,500 wines from approximately 800 vineyards from all over the world. Peter Sichel, honorary chairman of the wine competition, member of the Académie du Vin de Bordeaux and Maître Emérite of the Commanderie des Vins de Bordeaux in the United States, will oversee the Bordeaux competition. The Bordeaux reds will be tasted blind by a panel of five wine experts, including Réné Chazottes, Maître Sommellier, The Pacific Club; Nick Goldschmidt, international winemaker and consultant; Robin Kelley O’Connor, director of sales and education, Sherry-Lehmann; and Wilfred Wong, cellar master and chief buyer for Beverages and More!
In the 2009 Bordeaux competition, 89 medals were awarded from 127 wines – 19 gold, 38 silver and 32 bronze. Best of Show for Bordeaux AOC was awarded to Château Sainte-Barbe 2005, and Château Belle Garde L’Excellence 2006 took top honors for Bordeaux Supérieur AOC.
What makes Bordeaux So Special?
Beginning with the Romans more than 2,000 years ago, vineyards have been cultivated in the Bordeaux region, knowledge has been transferred from generation to generation, and new techniques have continually been discovered through centuries of trial and error and innovative experimentation. Through this constant search for excellence was created the world-famous Bordeaux Blend, which allows any combination of the six red grape varietals traditionally grown in the Bordeaux wine region: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Carmenére, and Petit Verdot.
Many other wine regions may use the formula, however, Merlot- and Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blended wines have their best expression with the soils, oceanic micro-climate, and know-how-the terroir- of the Bordeaux region. Using both tradition and innovation, the Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC winemakers strive first and foremost to make wines that express their terroir, and wines that are balanced with a harmony of fruit, acidity and tannins.
Producing red (88% of the wines produced), white, rosé, sweet and sparkling wines, the Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOCs represent over half of the vineyards in the prestigious Bordeaux wine region, and form the largest fine wine region in the world. Bordeaux AOC & Bordeaux Supérieur AOC wines are at their best in their youth, when their exceptionally fruity qualities delight the palate. They will also age nicely for a few years, revealing all the subtleties of their bouquet. Recognized worldwide for their quality, Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOCs offer elegant, accessible wines at affordable prices, perfect for any occasion.
American wine lovers will have the opportunity to taste the award-winning Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC wines at Wines & Cars Under the Stars, a fundraising event that benefits the educational programs of the Foundations at Fairplex.
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