Second labels 'are a great introduction to fine wine'
Second label wines can put some of the world's finer wines within the reach of those who cannot afford their more illustrious cousins, it has been said.
Effectively a "runner-up" form of well-known brands like chateaux Palmer, Cos d'Estournel and Lafite Rothschild, second labels are made from grapes that did not match the winemakers' exacting standards, but are still exceedingly drinkable, artinfo.com reports.
Bruno Borie, the head of chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, described his second label La Croix de Beaucaillou as a "different style, more casual and airy, more fun".
"After all, you cannot drink a grand vin at a barbecue."
Meanwhile, winemaker Nicholas Jaboulet told the website that second labels are a great way for people new to fine wine to learn about a region without breaking the bank.
Other notable second labels from Bordeaux include Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild and Le Clarence de Haut-Brion.