We are thrilled to set sail with Avalon Waterways’ inaugural Bordeaux river cruise this month! While France presents a smorgasbord of delightful food and drink, these are some of the bold flavours in Bordeaux that you may want to try. Bon appetit!
Wine
Bordeaux’s top-notch production of red and white wines is known far and wide around the world. Aside from the usual suspects of Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, make sure you enjoy a tipple of Sauternes. This sweet wine features apricot and citrus notes and is made from grapes that have been affected by noble rot.
Canelé
A canelé is a textural delight with a crisp exterior and gooey interior. Baked in fluted moulds to produce a gorgeous shape, this caramelised cake is very moreish with its custard, vanilla and rum flavours.
Entrecôte à la Bordelaise
For the meat lovers, do not overlook a plate of entrecôte à la Bordelaise! Rib-eye steak is grilled to medium-rare perfection and served with the star of the show – a rich Bordelaise sauce made from red wine, butter, shallots and bone marrow. And of course, you would pair this with a glass of local red wine.
Oysters
Head to Arcachon Bay for some of the best oysters in France! Located only an hour from Bordeaux city, these are best served simply with a squeeze of lemon or dressed with mignonette (vinegar and shallots) sauce.
Magret de Canard
Looking for a comforting meal? Locals adore magret de canard, a hearty, rich way of serving duck. A slightly sweet red wine or fig sauce accompanies pan-seared duck breast, along with a glass of local red wine.
Foie gras
Foie gras is a Bordeaux favourite. It is a premium type of pâté made from duck or goose liver, found as an appetiser on most restaurant menus. Its buttery flavour and smooth texture are wonderful on crusty bread and a glass of Sauternes.
Cheese
The Bordeaux region is famous for cheese made from sheep and goat’s milk. Popular choices include ossau-iraty, a firm cheese with a wonderful nutty, sweet flavour; and chèvre, similar to a soft cream cheese with a delicate goat milk taste.
Duck Pâté en Croûte
Want to take your pâté game to the next level? Then a slice of duck pâté en croûte is the appetiser for you! A buttery pastry encases duck pâté, herbs and spices, baked into a loaf tin for easy slicing. This dish has been around since the Middle Ages when it was created to preserve meat.
Bordeaux’s gastronomy is full of bold, yet delicate, flavours. Discover this for yourself on an Avalon Waterways river cruise through this delicious region!
