The wine region of Bordeaux can sometimes seem daunting given its richness of appellations as well as the diversity of wines produced within it. Nevertheless, with some basic knowledge and an understanding of some key factors, you will be able to make an informed choice and find the right Bordeaux wine for every occasion!
In this article, we will therefore explore the different types of wines from the Bordeaux region, the grape varieties present, the sub-regions and wine appellations of Bordeaux as well as the influence of the vintage.
After reading this, you will have all the keys to choosing the Bordeaux bottle of your dreams!
A Bordeaux wine, yes, but for what occasion ?
Before embarking on the frantic search for a Bordeaux wine, it is essential to determine beforehand the occasion during which you will taste it. Is this an appetizer? an evening with friends? a BBQ? Or a dinner accompanied by connoisseurs?
While Bordeaux wines can indeed adapt to several situations, the same bottle should not be chosen between these different situations. However, the Bordeaux region may well offer you many choices for each of these!
What color and which grape varieties ?
Bordeaux wines come in two main colours: 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 winegrowers is shaking up the codes! Indeed, in recent years, cuvées with drinkable fruitiness without oak aging have multiplied, to the delight of lovers of the genre.
In terms of grape varieties, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Cabernet-franc as well as Merlot form a triptych of shock.The latter are in fact very regularly blended in order to create complex and balanced wines. Cabernet-Sauvignon will bring powerful tannins, Cabernet-Franc will offer herbaceous aromas while Merlot will confer a soft and charming texture to the wines.
In addition, although white wines represent a smaller share of regional production, they should not be neglected. Thus, the two majority white grape varieties here are Sauvignon blanc and Sémillon. 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. Moreover, although different styles coexist, the wines will recurrently present notes of citrus fruits, white-fleshed fruits and will often be aged in oak barrels, bringing a touch of vanilla as well as a overall fat.
A Bordeaux wine, yes, but from what appellation ?
When exploring the wines of Bordeaux, it is also important to take into account the different wine sub-regions that come your way. Thus, 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 many of the most prestigious appellations in the region, such as Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien or Saint-Estèphe. The wines produced here are all red and mostly made from the Cabernet-Sauvignon grape variety. The wines produced are for the most part wines for laying down, therefore presenting a fine tannic structure. Finally, Médoc soils are mainly composed of gravel.
Many renowned Crus Classés are present here, such as Châteaux Latour, Montrose, Brane-Cantenac , Calon-Ségur or even Gruaud-Larose. Nevertheless, unclassified properties are also present and worth seeing. We can for example think of the Château Dompierre on Pauillac, the Château Mille Roses on Margaux or the Château Saransot-Dupré, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur of AOC Listrac-Médoc.
The Graves region
This is located south of Bordeaux and is renowned for its elegant red and white wines. In red, Merlot dominates, bringing roundness and fruitiness.
Among the most emblematic appellations of this sub-region, we find in particular Pessac-Léognan, renowned for the high quality of its wines, as well as the AOC Graves, producing more accessible but refined wines. The soils are mostly gravelly and clay-sandy.
Here too, big names are present, like Châteaux Smith Haut Lafitte, Carbonnieux or Castle Brown.
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 the majority. Nevertheless, Cabernet-franc and Cabernet-sauvignon are also well established. Moreover, the soils of the Libournais are quite diversified but mostly clay-limestone. Among the region's most prestigious appellations are Pomerol and Saint-Émilion.
In Pomerol, Châteaux Petrus, La Conseillante, Lafleur and L'Evangile are probably the most famous names . In Saint-Émilion, monuments such as Ausone, Angelus and Cheval Blanc stand side by side. Nevertheless, many other quality properties also exist. One thinks for example of the Château de Valois in Pomerol or the Château Jean-Faure in Saint-Émilion, two estates reflecting wonder the characteristics of their respective appellation.
Blayais-Bourgeais
This part of the Bordeaux vineyard is located north of Bordeaux, on the right bank side, facing the Médoc.Although less famous than the previous regions mentioned, this one still has many properties producing quality reds and whites offering excellent value for money. The Merlot is predominant there and the soils are mainly clay-limestone.
The Château Bel-Air La Royère in AOC Blaye Côtes-de-Bordeaux is a wonderful illustration of the qualities of this region.
Between Two Seas
Here is another sub-region to consider in Bordeaux. It is recognized for its quality production of dry, lively and fresh white wines, perfect to accompany seafood or summer dishes. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon are masters here on this predominantly clay-limestone terroir. A few appellations like Loupiac or Cadillac also produce sweet white wines within the region.
The domain Cheval Quancard and its famous Cuvée Clémence superbly illustrates the whites of the region.
Sauternais
Finally, we come to Sauternais, a region renowned for its production of legendary sweet wines made from grapes affected by noble rot , the fungus Botrytis cinerea. The latter concentrates the aromas of the grapes and allows winegrowers to produce sweet wines with great aromatic richness (notes of 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, there are for example the famous Château d'Yquem, the Château Suduiraut or the Château Climens . However, other estates such as Château Haut-Bergeron also offer sublime sweet wines with excellent value for money.
Wine to lay down or to drink now ?
In addition to the color of the wine and its appellation, it is also important todetermine whether you want a wine for laying down or a wine for immediate consumption. Wines for laying down are cuvées with a more structured and tannic profile, therefore requiring a certain period of maturation in the bottle in order to reach their peak.
On the other hand, wines for immediate consumption are more supple and evolve on a fruity and accessible register allowing them to be tasted as soon as their purchase.
If you want to give a friend a fine 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, on the other hand, is ideal for a more immediate and relaxed tasting.
The importance of the vintage
Finally, one of the essential aspects when choosing a good Bordeaux wine is the vintage. Indeed, every year, the climatic conditions vary considerably, consequently influencing the quality of the wines produced (aromas, concentration, balance, etc.). Thus, in exceptional vintages, the wines often have intense aromas, ripe tannins and excellent aging potential. Nevertheless, in more modest vintages, the same wines can present lighter profiles as well as catchy tannins because they are less ripe.
In addition, 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 reputed to be average or mediocre, a property will be able to 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 made.
Therefore, don't hesitate to seek advice from La Cave Éclairée and don't be guided by the easy summaries with notes that you find on the internet. These indeed evoke a generality that is valid but not automatic. A thorough knowledge of the terroirs of each property and regular wine tastings are necessary here to be able to judge the quality of the cuvées produced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing a good Bordeaux wine requires taking into account several factors 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 of the 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 some advice, do not hesitate to contact La Cave Éclairée directly!
