We decided to go into the actual city of Bordeaux today, and then also back to the beautiful St. Emilion to buy some wine in their "postcard beautiful town". It was a nice day in Southwest France with the sun fighting off the clouds and mist - although upon arrival we thought the city of Bordeaux was nowhere near as charming as the wine country surrounding it. We walked yet another crowded urban shopping street and were getting cranky when Suzanne found the most adorable, and definitively French cafe, in the historic district near the famous Hotel de Ville and the Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux. Everyone's meal was perfect and we headed to St. Emillion.
For more on this must see town: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-%C3%89milion_AOC
At St. Emilion, Izzy and Maddy decided they were "touristed out" and decided to stay in the van, but Ben stepped up and wandered the small cobblestone streets and the wine shops with us while we tasted and purchased wine. And even though Ben was allowed to taste, he declined.
As much as we love red wine, we favor Cabernet's, and Bordeaux is a Merlot varietal region, but Suzanne found some delicious and spicy blends that we will take to Paris tomorrow!
- Mike
P.S. Now that we have been to Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Tuscany and Bordeaux, we can honestly say they are all spectacular, and that California should hold it's head up high as that area of our country is every bit as beautiful as European wine country - just minus a few hundred years and some castles and chateau's.
P.S.S. Tuscany reminded us of Northern California in its topography and vegetation, while the Bordeaux region is much more like northern Wisconsin or Michigan with rolling hills and deciduous, leafy trees. If fact while driving, the girls and Mom all commented, "This looks just like Michigan!". We can't wait to try some of our new wines tonight! Off to Paris in the morning and maybe even a stop at the famous prehistoric Lascaux Caves with the earliest cave drawing!
For more on this must see town: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-%C3%89milion_AOC
At St. Emilion, Izzy and Maddy decided they were "touristed out" and decided to stay in the van, but Ben stepped up and wandered the small cobblestone streets and the wine shops with us while we tasted and purchased wine. And even though Ben was allowed to taste, he declined.
As much as we love red wine, we favor Cabernet's, and Bordeaux is a Merlot varietal region, but Suzanne found some delicious and spicy blends that we will take to Paris tomorrow!
- Mike
P.S. Now that we have been to Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Tuscany and Bordeaux, we can honestly say they are all spectacular, and that California should hold it's head up high as that area of our country is every bit as beautiful as European wine country - just minus a few hundred years and some castles and chateau's.
P.S.S. Tuscany reminded us of Northern California in its topography and vegetation, while the Bordeaux region is much more like northern Wisconsin or Michigan with rolling hills and deciduous, leafy trees. If fact while driving, the girls and Mom all commented, "This looks just like Michigan!". We can't wait to try some of our new wines tonight! Off to Paris in the morning and maybe even a stop at the famous prehistoric Lascaux Caves with the earliest cave drawing!
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