Bordeaux is probably the region with the greatest wine reputation in the world (well, along with Burgundy to be fair). And while the number of grape varieties, appellations and estates can sometimes be overwhelming, you’ll see that it’s actually not that complicated to find your way around Gironde!
In this article, we will dive into the heart of this iconic region to describe it simply, exploring its 6 key grape varieties (3 whites, 3 reds) and its 3 sub-regions. We will take you on a journey through its renowned appellations and its Grands Crus Classés... but not only that!
A wind of renewal has indeed been blowing through the region for some time now, and some estates are moving away from so-called "traditional" wines, often marked by oak, to focus on more festive and lighter cuvées, centered on pleasure and fruit.
Good reading !
Bordeaux: 6 key grape varieties
Red wines
90% of the cuvées produced in Bordeaux are red wines. It is therefore only natural that they are the ones that make the region’s wine reputation! Almost all of these are produced from three grape varieties:
- Merlot : it accounts for 2/3 of red wine production and offers rather supple tannins, a lovely fruitiness (cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant) and gives a smooth and charming texture to the wine.
- Cabernet Sauvignon : this is the second most common grape variety in Bordeaux. It produces wines with powerful tannins, with a beautiful structure and offering fruity notes (blackcurrant, plum) and spicy notes (pepper).
- Cabernet Franc : a kind of in-between of the previous two grape varieties, it can have an interesting tannic structure, but this will be less pronounced compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Its aromas are also fruity but also herbaceous (bell pepper, eucalyptus).
The characteristics of these three varieties are highly complementary, and they are regularly blended to produce the region’s red wines. However, it is entirely possible for local winemakers to produce single-varietal cuvées.
Other red grape varieties obviously exist in Bordeaux, such as Malbec or Petit Verdot. Nevertheless, these remain minor compared to the three giants.
White winess
Although in the minority, delicious white wines are also produced in the Bordeaux region! These can be dry or sweet and are made from the following three grape varieties:
- Sémillon : representing nearly half of the white vineyard, it gives body to the wines and develops aromas of yellow fruits (mirabelle plum) as well as a touch of exoticism (pineapple, mango) on the palate.
- Sauvignon Blanc : this is the second most important white grape variety in the region and is almost as widely planted as Sémillon. It is highly valued for its natural acidity as well as its expressive fruity aromas (citrus, white fruits, exotic fruits, etc.).
- Muscadelle : a complementary variety to the previous two, it is generally found in small quantities in the wines. Muscadelle is low in acidity and highly aromatic. It offers floral and musky notes.
Just like with red wines, these 3 white grape varieties are very regularly blended to produce the final wines.
Bordeaux: 3 sub-regions
The Bordeaux vineyard is divided into 3 main areas :
- the right bank
- the left bank
- Entre-deux-Mers
If you picture Bordeaux, you know that two rivers cross the region: the Dordogne to the north, and the Garonne to the south. It is considered that vineyards south of the Garonne are part of the left bank, while those north of the Dordogne represent the right bank. Finally, the vines located between the two rivers are part of Entre-deux-Mers.
Not clear enough? To help you find your way, feel free to check the map at the end of this article ! In the meantime, here are more details about these 3 exceptional wine-growing areas with an oceanic climate.
The right bank
Located north of the Dordogne, the right bank is mainly on clay-limestone soils and includes:
- Libournais : an area renowned for its silky and complex red wines. Pomerol and Saint-Émilion have built the reputation of the local wines, but many other appellations also exist here, such as Lalande-de-Pomerol, Canon-Fronsac and Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux. Merlot is generally the dominant grape variety in the blends.
- Blayais-Bourgeais : vineyard of the AOC Côtes-de-Bourg and Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. Less well-known, these nevertheless offer very interesting red wines with excellent value for money. Here too, the main grape variety is Merlot.
The left bank
Located south of the Dordogne, the left bank is mainly on gravelly soils and includes:
- Médoc : this is the most prestigious region of the Bordeaux vineyard, home to the Grands Crus Classés of 1855 and the great age-worthy wines. Prestigious appellations such as Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien and also Saint-Estèphe are part of it. The main grape variety here is Cabernet Sauvignon, giving structure and power to the wines.
- Graves : located south of Bordeaux, this region produces red wines similar to those of Médoc, meaning structured and rather powerful, but also remarkable dry white wines. The Pessac-Léognan appellation is the most renowned in the area, and here too, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape variety.
- Sauternais : enclosed within Graves, Sauternais is dedicated to the production of delicious sweet wines, mainly based on Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Sauternes is obviously the most renowned appellation in the area, but Barsac and Cérons should not be overlooked!
Entre-deux-Mers
Nestled between the Dordogne and the Garonne, this vast geographical area produces 70% red wine and 30% white wine. However, The Entre-deux-Mers appellation (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 here are the famous Sémillon, Sauvignon, and Muscadelle.
The region’s red wines are produced under the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur appellations.
Other appellations are also present, such as Cadillac, Loupiac or Sainte-Croix-du-Mont (sweet wines) as well as Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux (red wines) and Graves de Vayres (red and sweet wines).
Conclusion
You are now fully prepared to explore the Bordeaux vineyard with more confidence! As you will have understood, the region offers wonderful opportunities, whatever your taste profile.
From fruity red wine to powerful red wine and delicious dry white wines as well as exceptional sweet wines, the Bordeaux region is indeed full of gems just waiting for one thing: for you to discover them!
So, dive into this exceptional terroir, explore its iconic châteaux, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of Bordeaux wines. Cheers, and feel free to contact La Cave Éclairée for any advice!
