No shortage of decent drinkable Bordeaux for under €15

The name Bordeaux conjures up images of imposing 19th-century châteaux surrounded by finely manicured vineyards, producing very expensive wines that require a decade or more in the cellar before opening, and of traditional fine dining, crisp white tablecloths, shiny silverware, porcelain crockery and crystal decanters.

That Bordeaux certainly exists, but there are some 6,000 other so-called Petits Châteaux in the region. Most of these wineries are little more than farmhouses, and the wines they produce sell for less than €20. Some are ordinary, but others can be very good and offer good value for money.

Most Bordeaux is made from merlot, cabernet sauvignon or a blend of the two. Cabernet franc, malbec, petit verdot and other grapes are also permitted. These days merlot, which is softer and fruiter, is often preferred. The traditional accompaniments are red meat: roast lamb or beef, lamb cutlets, steak, feathered game or venison. Vegetarian matches include firm cheeses, mushrooms and red peppers.

There is no shortage of decent drinkable Bordeaux for €10-€15. O’Briens, Dunnes Stores and Lidl probably have the best range among the multiples. My favourite from Lidl is its Bordeaux (€9.99), and from Dunnes, the wine featured here. O’Briens has the Château Benetjac on offer at €9.99 at the moment. Moving up in price a little, Whelehans, Mitchell & Son, 64wine, Wines Direct, Greenacres, Corkscrew, Jus de Vine, Morgan’s, Searson’s, Wine Buff and others, all pride themselves on offering a good range at every price level.

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Château Lacroix 2021 Cuvée Tradition, Castillon, Côtes de Bordeaux, Organic 2021

12.5%, €9.20 (down from €11.50)

The 2021 vintage is much lighter than the 2020, but none the worse for that. Fresh, juicy, supple brambly fruits with a dry finish. Drink it with charcuterie and firm cheeses.

From Dunnes Stores

Château Lagrugère l’Essentiel 2020, Bordeaux, Organic

13%, €17.50

Benchmark Bordeaux with a mix of red fruits and blackberries, held together nicely by good acidity and firm tannins that call out for roast or grilled red meats.

From Curious Wines, Cork, curiouswines.ie

Château La Landotte 2017, Médoc

13%, €19.99

Smooth ripe blackcurrants and cassis with subtle herbs and light tannins on the finish. Enjoy with roast lamb.

From The Wine Buff, thewinebuff.com

Château Tour Saint-Bonnet 2016, Cru Bourgeois, Médoc

14%, €25

An old favourite of mine, a classic Bordeaux that I had to include. Medium-bodied with concentrated ripe blackcurrants, an appetising savoury note and a firm dry finish. Try it with roast duck, beef or lamb.

From Whelehans, Loughlinstown