Claret facts for kids
Claret is a special kind of red wine from France. It's also known as Bordeaux wine. This name comes from the Bordeaux region in France where it is made. France has a system called appellation d'origine contrôlée. This system makes sure that food and drinks, like Bordeaux wine, really come from the place they say they do.
Contents
A Look at Claret's History
Wine from Bordeaux was quite different a long time ago, during the Middle Ages. Back then, it was a lighter, reddish wine with spices. This is why it was called "claret," which comes from the French word clairet. Over time, especially in the 1700s, it changed into the darker, dry red wine we know today.
Challenges for Bordeaux Wines
The wine industry in Bordeaux has faced some challenges. They have strong competition from wines made in other parts of the world. These are often called "New World wines." Also, people in France are drinking less wine now than they used to.
Competition from Other Wines
Many wines from places like Australia and Chile have become very popular. For example, the UK now buys more wine from Australia than from France.
One reason for this is how wines are named. Bordeaux wines are usually a mix of two or more types of vine grapes. But many New World wines are made from just one type of grape. These include grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot noir. Bottles that clearly state the grape type are easy for people to understand and choose.
Why Some Wines Cost More
Another reason for the challenges is the price. Cheaper French wines can become much more expensive when they are sold in other countries. This is because countries like the UK add high taxes to wines and other drinks. A wine that might be cheap in France could cost a lot more in the UK. Because of this, many customers choose wines from other countries that seem like a better deal.
However, some very special Bordeaux wines are still very expensive. For example, some bottles can sell for hundreds of pounds! These are often rare and highly valued wines.
Images for kids
-
Map of the French provinces (including Bordeaux) assimilated by the Plantagenet-Aquitaine union
-
Vineyards of Blaye on the "right bank" of Bordeaux
-
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in Médoc
-
Merlot grapes being sorted at Château Kirwan
-
Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron in Pauillac
-
Château Cheval Blanc in Saint-Émilion
-
Château Margaux
-
Saint-Émilion Château l'Angélus 1978
-
Claret, English silver bottle ticket, by Sandylands Drinkwater
-
Bordeaux red wine
