The following wines are the latest addition to ABC’s extensive Bordeaux selection; they are part of the Terra Burdigala portfolio of the Bordeaux négociant François Thienpont.

François has created Terra Burdigala to help and support a group of carefully chosen Bordeaux winegrowers practicing sustainable viticulture. These wines, all priced under $20, represent a tremendous value.

The Thienpont family, originally from Belgium, is well-known and highly respected in the wine world; the Thienponts migrated to the Bordeaux region in the 1920s, where they came to produce and trade wine.

François’ brother, Nicolas Thienpont, is the consulting oenologist for Château Pavie Macquin, Larcis Ducasse, Les Charmes Godard and Puygueraud amongst others.

Alexandre Thienpont manages the family’s oldest property, Vieux Château Certan, purchased by Georges Thienpont (their grandfather) in 1924.

The family diversified in 1979 when Marcel and Gérard Thienpont founded the  micro-cuvée estate of Château Le Pin in nearby Vieux Château Certan. Today it is under the ownership of François’ cousin, Jacques Thienpont.

The wines from Le Pin are virtually unobtainable, having been pre-sold to collectors and top restaurants in very small allocations. ABC has a fairly large allocation of 8 bottles of Le Pin, and growing.

Terra Bourdigala wine selection at ABC.

Terra Burdigala wines:

2011 Roc de Jean Lice, Bordeaux Supérieur  $14.99

2009 Château Manoir du Gravoux, Castillon - Côtes de Bordeaux  $17.99

2010La Violette du Manoir du Gravoux, Castillon - Côtes de Bordeaux  $19.99

2011 F.Thienpont Bordeaux Red  $12.99

2012 F.Thienpont Bordeaux White  $12.99

2012 Les Charmes-Godard White, Francs- Côtes de Bordeaux   $18.99

The 2010 Violette, Castillon - Côtes de Bordeaux, a personal favorite, is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc from 50 year old vines, barrel aged for 12 months. This dark-colored, full-bodied wine exhibits aromas and flavors of black currant, blackberries, violet flowers and licorice, ripe and perfectly integrated tannins with a long-lasting, smooth finish. Enjoy with grilled red meats and aged cheeses. Decant for an hour before serving. Drink or hold (5-10 years). 

Atanas Nechkov, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits wine supervisor
Follow me on Twitter @abcwineatanas