My friend Adrian Latimer wrote a fascinating post, here is my shorter version. For Adrian’s entire post, see below.
In the realm of wine history, there’s a fascinating tale that connects Bordeaux, England, and even Ireland, all through the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine. This remarkable lady, born in 1122, embarked on an extraordinary journey, marrying not one but two kings: Louis VII of France and Henry II of England, hence being royal in both nations.
In the summer of 1152, Eleanor graced Poitiers with her presence, where she tied the knot for the second time. What’s fascinating is that the wine served at this historic event is believed to have hailed from Chateau d’Issan, a grand cru from Margaux, then known as Seigneuries de Cantenac, Lamothe-Cantenac. So, whenever you savour a glass of Margaux, you’re sipping a piece of royal history.
Fast forward to the 17th century, and we find ourselves in a tale of intrigue and wine intertwined. After William of Orange ousted King James II, the defeated monarch sought refuge in France, igniting the Battle of the Boyne. The aftermath saw a wave of Irish emigration to France, earning them the moniker ‘Wild Geese.’ Bordeaux’s wine world also saw an Irish touch, with names like Barton and Lynch becoming synonymous with prestigious chateaux like Langoa & Léoville Barton and Lynch Bages.
For centuries, Bordeaux wines were the crème de la crème, known affectionately as ‘claret’ by the English. Bordeaux’s reputation was bolstered by its blends, especially those led by Cabernet Sauvignon from the left bank and the Medoc region. Unsurprisingly, Bordeaux was the preferred red wine at elite clubs, top universities, and even in royal circles.
But as time flowed like fine wine, Bordeaux saw a challenger emerge from Burgundy, with its ‘peasant farmers’ taking centre stage on the auction podium. While Bordeaux still reign supreme in quality, Burgundy’s wines have started to dethrone Bordeaux in terms of price and auction sales.
As for the 2004 Mouton Rothschild, it’s a wine fit for royalty, dense and regal, though it craves a few more years to reach its full splendour. So, the next time you uncork a Bordeaux or Burgundy, regale your companions with this captivating story of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Queen who left her mark not only on history but in the very wine we cherish today.
For a more extensive tale of Eleanor and Bordeaux, read Adrian Latimer’s blog post.