The wine region of Bordeaux can sometimes seem intimidating given its wealth of appellations as well as the diversity of wines produced within it. However, with some basic knowledge and an understanding of some key factors, you will be able to make an informed choice and find the wine Bordeaux you need for every occasion !
In this article, we will therefore explore the different types of wines from the Bordeaux region, the grape varieties present, the Bordeaux wine sub-regions and appellations as well as the influence of the vintage.
After reading this you will have all the keys to choose the Bordeaux bottle of your dreams !
A Bordeaux wine for all occasions
Before you embark on a frantic search for a Bordeaux wine, it is essential to determine in advance the occasion on which you will taste it . Is it an aperitif? An evening with friends? A barbecue? Or a dinner with connoisseurs?
If the wines of Bordeaux can indeed adapt to multiple situations , we will nevertheless not choose the same bottle between these different situations. However, The Bordeaux region can offer you many choices for each of these!
Color and grape varieties of Bordeaux wines
Bordeaux wines are available in two main colors: red and white (although rosés and sparkling wines also exist).
THE red wines represent nearly 90% of Bordeaux production and are often considered the emblem of the region. Bordeaux wines are generally structured, rather tannic And often aged in oak barrels . Nevertheless, it should be noted that a new wave of winemakers is shaking up the codes! Indeed, In recent years, the vintages at fruity and easy to drink without wood breeding multiply , to the great delight of fans of the genre.
On the grape variety side, Cabernet Sauvignon , Cabernet Franc as well as Merlot form a shocking triptych . These are in fact very regularly assembled in order to create complex and balanced wines. The Cabernet-Sauvignon will bring powerful tannins, the Cabernet-Franc will offer herbaceous aromas while the Merlot will give a soft and charming texture to the wines.
Moreover, although the white wines represent a smaller share of regional production, but they should not be neglected. Thus, the two majority white grape varieties here are the Sauvignon blanc as well as the Semillon . Like the red grape varieties, these are very regularly blended.
The Sauvignon will bring its acidity as well as its aromatic exuberance while the Sémillon will give body and structure to the wines produced. In addition, although different styles coexist, the wines will recurrently present notes of citrus fruits, white-fleshed fruits and will be often aged in oak barrels , bringing a vanilla touch as well as a fatty substance to the whole.
Bordeaux appellations
When exploring Bordeaux wines, it is also important to consider the different wine sub-regions that are available to you. So, Bordeaux is divided into 6 subsets offering different types of wine.
The Medoc
This is the most famous sub-region of the Bordeaux vineyard. It is home to a large part of the most prestigious appellations of the region such as Margaux , Pauillac , Saint-Julien or even Saint-Estephe . The wines produced here are all red and mostly made from the Cabernet-Sauvignon grape variety. The wines produced are mostly wines for laying down , therefore presenting a beautiful tannic structure. Finally, the Médoc soils are mainly composed of serious .
Many Classified Growths renowned are present here, like the Latour Castles, Montrose , Brane-Cantenac , Calon-Ségur or even Gruaud-Larose . However, there are also unclassified properties that are worth a visit. For example, we can think of the Dompierre Castle on Pauillac, at Thousand Roses Castle on Margaux or even at Saransot-Dupré Castle , Cru Bourgeois Supérieur of the AOC Listrac-Médoc .
The Graves region
This one is located south of Bordeaux and is renowned for its elegant red and white wines. In red, the Merlot is the majority , bringing roundness and fruitiness.
Among the most emblematic appellations of this sub-region, we find in particular: Pessac-Leognan , renowned for the high quality of its wines, as well as the AOC Graves, producing more accessible but refined wines. The soils are mainly gravelly And clayey-sandy .
Here too, big names are present, like the Smith Haut Lafitte Castles , Carbonnieux or even Brown Castle .
The Libournais
Located on the right bank of Bordeaux, this Bordeaux sub-region is renowned for its powerful and complex red wines. Here too, Merlot is in the majority . Nevertheless, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are also well established. Furthermore, the soils of Libournais are quite diverse but mostly clay-limestone . Among the most prestigious appellations of the region, we find in particular Pomerol as well as Saint-Emilion .
In Pomerol, the Petrus Castles , The Advisor , The flower or even The Gospel are probably the most famous names. In Saint-Émilion, monuments like Ausone , Angelus or even White Horse are located side by side. However, there are many other quality properties as well.We will think for example of the Valois Castle on Pomerol or even at Trotte Vieille Castle in Saint-Émilion, two estates which perfectly reflect the characteristics of their respective appellations.
The Blayais-Bourgeais
This part of the Bordeaux vineyard is located at north of Bordeaux, right bank side, facing the Médoc. Although Less renowned than the previously mentioned regions, this one nevertheless has many properties producing quality reds and whites offering excellent value for money . THE Merlot is the majority there and the soils are mainly clay-limestone .
THE Bel-Air La Royere Castle in AOC Blaye Côtes-de-Bordeaux perfectly illustrates the qualities of this region.
Between the two seas
Here is a another sub-region to consider in Bordeaux. This one is recognized for its production of quality of dry, lively and fresh white wines , perfect to accompany seafood or summer dishes. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon are the masters here on this terroir mainly clay-limestone . Some names like Loupiac Or Cadillac also produce sweet white wines in the region.
The domain Quancard Horse and its famous Clemence vintage superbly illustrates the whites of the region.
Sauternes
Finally, we arrive at the Sauternes , a famous region for its production of legendary sweet wines made from grapes affected by the noble rot , the mushroom Botrytis cinerea . The latter concentrates the aromas of the grapes and allows winemakers to produce sweet wines with great aromatic richness (notes honey, butter, apricot, candied fruit etc.). Sauvignon and Sémillon are sometimes complemented here with a hint of Muscadelle.
Among the most renowned properties in the region, we can count for example: the famous Chateau d'Yquem , THE Suduiraut Castle or even the Climens Castle . However, other areas such as the Haut-Bergeron Castle also offer sublime liqueurs with excellent value for money.
Wine for laying down or immediate enjoyment ?
In addition to the color of the wine and its name, It is also important to determine whether you want a wine for laying down or a wine for immediate consumption . The wines for laying down are vintages at more structured and tannic profile , therefore requiring a certain period of maturation in the bottle in order to reach their apogee.
On the other hand, wines for immediate consumption are more flexible and evolve on a fruity and accessible record allowing them to be tasted as soon as they are purchased.
If you want to give a friend a nice Bordeaux wine as a gift with the aim that the person can keep it for a few years, opt for a wine for laying down. A wine for immediate consumption will be perfectly suited to a more immediate tasting and relaxed.
The importance of the vintage in Bordeaux
Finally, one of the essential aspects when choosing a good Bordeaux wine is the vintage . Indeed, Every year, climatic conditions vary considerably , consequently influencing the quality of the wines produced (aroma, concentration, balance, etc.). Thus, in exceptional vintages, the wines often have an intense aroma, ripe tannins and an excellent ageing capacity. However, in more modest vintages, the same wines can to present lighter profiles as well as catchy tannins because they are less ripe.
Furthermore, it is important to take into account that even in the same year, and from one property to another, the vintage impact may be more or less significant. Thus, in a vintage known as average or mediocre, one property may produce quite exceptional wines while the neighboring château will not present the same quality. It is indeed in the years when nature is less generous with man that the winemaker's know-how becomes even more decisive on the quality of the wines produced.
Therefore, do not hesitate to ask for advice The Illuminated Cellar and don't be guided by easy summaries with notes that you will find on the internet. These indeed evoke a valid but not automatic generality. A thorough knowledge of the terroirs of each property and regular tastings of the wines are here necessary to be able to judge the quality of the vintages produced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Choosing a good Bordeaux wine requires taking several factors into account such as the tasting occasion, the color of the wine, its style, its appellation or even its vintage. All these elements play an essential role in the quality wines and it is therefore essential to take them into consideration.
By following the advice presented in this article, you are now able to choose an excellent Bordeaux wine that will delight your taste buds and enhance your tasting moments. And if you would like advice, do not hesitate to contact us directly at The Illuminated Cellar !
