Bordeaux is probably the region with the the greatest wine reputation in the world (come on, with the Burgundy so as not to make anyone jealous). And if the number of grape varieties , of appellations and properties can sometimes be impressive, you will see that it is ultimately not that complicated to find your way around Gironde!
In this article, we will therefore delve into the heart of this emblematic region in order to describe it to you simply, by exploring its 6 key grape varieties (3 in white, 3 in red) and its 3 sub-regions . We will take you on a journey through its renowned appellations and his Great Classified Growths ...but not only that!
A wind of renewal is blowing indeed on the region For some time now, some properties have been abandoning so-called "traditional" wines with often pronounced woodiness in favor of more festive and lighter vintages, focused on pleasure and fruit.
Good discovery!
Bordeaux: 6 key grape varieties
Red wines
90% of the vintages produced in Bordeaux are red wines . It is therefore quite naturally they who make the region's wine reputation! Almost all of these are also produced from three grape varieties:
- Merlot : he represents the 2/3 of production in red and offers rather supple tannins, a beautiful fruity (cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant) and gives a soft and charming texture to wine.
- Cabernet Sauvignon : It is the second most common grape variety in Bordeaux. It produces wines to powerful tannins , having a beautiful structure and offering fruity notes (blackcurrant, plum) and spicy (pepper).
- Cabernet Franc : a sort of cross between the two previous grape varieties, It can have an interesting tannic structure but this will be less important compared to that of Cabernet Sauvignon. Its aromas are also fruity but also on the vegetal (pepper, eucalyptus).
The characteristics of these three varieties being very complementary, they are regularly assemblies in order to produce the region's red wines. However, it is entirely possible for local winemakers to produce single-varietal vintages.
Other red grape varieties obviously exist in Bordeaux, such as Malbec or of Petit verdot . However, the latter do not weigh heavily against the three behemoths.
White wines s
Although in the minority, delicious white wines are also produced in the Bordeaux region! These can be dry as well as sweet and are made from the following three grape varieties:
- THE emillon : representing nearly half of the vineyard in white , this one gives some matter to wines and develops aromas of yellow fruits (mirabelle plum) as well as a a touch of exoticism (pineapple, mango) in the mouth.
- THE white auvignon : This is the second grape variety white of the region and is almost as important in planted area than the Sémillon. This one is very interesting for its natural acidity as well as for its expressive fruity aromas (citrus fruits, white fruits, exotic fruits, etc.).
- Muscadelle : complementary variety of the two previous ones, it is generally found in small quantities in wines. Muscadelle is not very acidic and powerful aromatically. It offers floral and musky notes .
As with red wines, these 3 white grape varieties are very regularly assembled to produce the final wines.
Bordeaux: 3 sub-regions
The Bordeaux vineyard is divided into 3 large areas :
- the right bank
- the left bank
- Between two seas
If you visualize Bordeaux, you know indeed that two rivers cross the region: the Dordogne to the north, as well as the Garonne to the south. Well, it is considered that the vineyards in south of the Garonne are part of the left bank while those on the North of Dordogne represent the right bank. Finally, the vines located between the two rivers are part of the Entre-deux-mers.
Not clear enough? To get your bearings, take a look at the map towards the end of this article ! In the meantime, here are more details on these 3 exceptional wine-growing areas in oceanic climate .
The right bank
Located to the north of the Dordogne, the right bank mainly develops on clay-limestone soils and includes:
- The Libournais : area renowned for its silky and complex red wines. Pomerol And Saint-Emilion have built the notoriety local wines but many other names exist here, such as Lalande-de-Pomerol , Canon-Fronsac or even Castillon-Bordeaux Coasts . Merlot is generally the dominant grape variety in the vintages.
- The Blayais-Bourgeais : vineyard of AOC Côtes-de-Bourg And Blaye Bordeaux Coasts . Less renowned, the latter nevertheless offer very interesting red wines with excellent quality-price ratios.Here too, the majority grape variety is Merlot.
The left bank
Located to the south of the Dordogne, the left bank mainly develops on gravel soils and includes:
- The Medoc : This is the the most prestigious region of the Bordeaux vineyard, that of Great Classified Growths of 1855 and the big ones wines for laying down . Prestigious names such as Margaux , Pauillac , Saint-Julien or even Saint-Estephe are part of it. The majority grape variety here is Cabernet-Sauvignon, giving structure and power to wines.
- The Graves : located south of Bordeaux, this region produces red wines in the continuity of those of the Médoc, that is to say structured and rather powerful, but also of remarkable dry white wines . The name Pessac-Leognan is the most famous in the area and here too, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape variety.
- Sauternes : landlocked in the Graves, Sauternais dedicates itself to the production of delicious sweet wines , mainly based on Sémillon and Sauvignon blanc. Sauternes is obviously the most famous name in the area but Barsac And Cérons should not be neglected!
Between two seas
Nestled between the Dordogne and the Garonne, this vast geographical area produces 70% red wine and 30% white wine . Be careful though, The name Between Two Seas (located in the region of the same name, are you following?) produces exclusively white wine on more than 1,300 hectares. The key grape varieties of the latter are therefore the famous Sémillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle.
The region's red wines are produced under the Bordeaux appellations and Bordeaux Superior .
Other names are also present such as Cadillac , Loupiac Or Holy Cross of the Mountain (sweet wines) as well as Cadillac-Bordeaux Coasts (red wines) or even Graves of Vayres (red and sweet).
Conclusion
You are now ready to tackle the Bordeaux vineyards with more points of reference! As you will have understood, the region offers magnificent perspectives , regardless of your taste profile.
Of red wine fruity At powerful red wine passing through delicious dry white wines as well as exceptional sweet wine , The Bordeaux region is indeed full of gems that are just waiting for you to discover them!
So, dive into this exceptional terroir, explore its emblematic châteaux, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of Bordeaux wines. Cheers and do not hesitate to contact The Illuminated Cellar for any advice!
