Review of Exploring Wine Regions – Bordeaux France

Barbara Perini · Post by **Barbara Perini** » 16 Jul 2021, 05:43

[Following is a volunteer review of "Exploring Wine Regions – Bordeaux France" by Michael C. Higgins, PhD.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Exploring Wine Regions – Bordeaux France is the second book of the series Exploring Wine Regions curated by the author, photojournalist and publisher Michael C. Higgins.

Higgins is a wine expert who dedicated 21 weeks to visit various châteaux (castles in French) of Bordeaux, researching and collecting information. He has done a meticulous job, aligning the history of the place and the peculiarities of the winemaking. In his words: “My goal is to uncomplicate Bordeaux so that you can enjoy everything about it…”.

After exploring each region and participating in some interesting experiences—such as blind tastings, food and wine pairings—he concludes that the key element of Bordeaux wines is terroir. This is a term used to describe the environmental factors and contextual characteristics that affect cultivation and, in this case, the type of grape better suited to the characteristics of the region.

Exploring Wine Regions – Bordeaux France is well-organised in sections containing the history of Bordeaux, the characteristics of the soil and other influences that have occurred throughout the years. There is information about the region, the predominance of a specific type of grape, and the result of having soil with stones and gravel despite having clay and limestone.

The author presents each château with the same route he explored. These châteaux are open to visitors with diversifying tourism experiences. He includes maps and detailed characteristics of each area he visited. There is also a glossary of terms and tables with the main information about the wines he presents. Additionally, Higgins provides stunning and precise pictures—from the landscapes to the wines and creative food.

I like how the author has explored deep in history and recount it in a way that makes us understand the importance of every aspect that has influenced the specific knowledge of the terroir during the years, resulting in a great quality of Bordeaux wines.

His conversational tone makes it enjoyable and easy to understand, which initially seems a complex world. Also, with appealing photos, he makes us wish to go there and visit the entire area as well.

There is nothing I dislike. It’s professionally edited and meticulously organised. Because I enjoyed this beautiful book and learned a lot about wines, my rating is 4 out of 4. Exploring Wine Regions – Bordeaux France is not just about wines, it’s about the history, culture, and most of all, experience. You feel compelled to visit Bordeaux, even if you aren’t a wine affectionate.

I recommend this book to readers who would like to have a deep understanding of the Bordeaux region and its great wines. Readers who enjoy learning beyond tourism also will get the most out of this book, as it contains history and other detailed characteristics.

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Exploring Wine Regions – Bordeaux France
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Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 29 Jul 2021, 01:52

I also loved the book, it is a real masterpiece! Great review, you captured the essence of this guide!

Kira Bonita Reece · Post by **Kira Bonita Reece** » 29 Jul 2021, 04:26

I've never read this book before but your review makes me want to give it a try. It was very informative

Jagiine · Post by **Jagiine** » 29 Jul 2021, 16:14

I would certainly need someone to simplify Bordeaux if I were to ever visit! Kudos to the author for recognizing that need and responding with a book.