The wine region of Bordeaux can sometimes seem intimidating given its wealth of appellations as well as the diversity of wines produced within it. Nevertheless, with some basic knowledge and an understanding of certain key factors, you will be able to make an informed choice and find the Bordeaux wine that suits your needs for every occasion !
In this article, we will 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 choose the Bordeaux bottle of your dreams !
A Bordeaux wine for all occasions
Before embarking on the frantic search for a Bordeaux wine, it is essential to first determine the occasion during which you will taste it. Is it for an aperitif? a night with friends? a barbecue? Or a dinner with connoisseurs?
While Bordeaux wines can indeed adapt to various situations, you will not choose the same bottle for these different situations.However, the Bordeaux region can indeed offer you many choices for each of these!
Color and grape varieties of Bordeaux wines
Bordeaux wines come in two main colors: red and white (although rosé and sparkling wines also exist).
The red wines account for nearly 90% of Bordeaux's 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 norms! Indeed, in recent years, the cuvées with fruity and easy-drinking characteristics without oak aging are multiplying, much to the delight of enthusiasts of this style.
Regarding grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc as well as Merlot form a powerful trio. These are indeed very regularly blended to create complex and balanced wines. The Cabernet Sauvignon will bring powerful tannins, the Cabernet Franc will offer herbaceous aromas, while the Merlot will impart a smooth and charming texture to the wines.
Furthermore, although white wines represent a smaller portion of regional production, they should not be overlooked. Thus, the two main white grape varieties here are Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Like the red grape varieties, these are very often blended.
The Sauvignon will bring its acidity and aromatic exuberance, while the Sémillon will provide body and structure to the wines produced. Moreover, although different styles coexist, the wines will consistently present notes of citrus, white-fleshed fruits, and will often be aged in oak barrels, adding a vanilla touch and a creamy texture to the whole.
The Bordeaux Appellations
When exploring Bordeaux wines, it is also important to consider the different wine sub-regions available to you. Thus, Bordeaux is divided into 6 sub-regions offering different wine typologies.
The Médoc
This is the most famous sub-region of the Bordeaux vineyard. It is home to many of the region's most prestigious appellations such as Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien and also Saint-Estèphe.The wines produced here are all red and predominantly made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety. The wines produced are mostly age-worthy wines, thus presenting a beautiful tannic structure. Finally, the Médoc soils are mainly composed of gravel.
Many renowned Classified Growths are present here, such as Châteaux Latour, Montrose, Brane-Cantenac, Calon-Ségur, and Gruaud-Larose. Nevertheless, unclassified properties are also present and worth a visit.For example, one might think of the Château Dompierre in Pauillac, the Château Mille Roses in Margaux, or the Château Saransot-Dupré, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur of the AOC Listrac-Médoc.
The Graves region
It is located south of Bordeaux and is renowned for its elegant red and white wines. In red, Merlot is predominant, bringing roundness and fruitiness.
Among the most emblematic appellations of this sub-region, we notably find Pessac-Léognan, renowned for the high quality of its wines, as well as the AOC Graves, producing more accessible yet refined wines.The soils are predominantly gravelly and clay-sandy. Here too, big names are present, such as Châteaux Smith Haut Lafitte, Carbonnieux, and Château 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 predominant. Nevertheless, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are also well established. Furthermore, the soils of the Libournais are quite diverse but predominantly clay-limestone.Among the most prestigious appellations of the region, we notably find Pomerol as well as Saint-Émilion.
In Pomerol, the Châteaux Petrus, La Conseillante, Lafleur, and L'Évangile are probably the most renowned names. In Saint-Émilion, landmarks such as Ausone, Angelus, and Cheval Blanc stand side by side. Nevertheless, many other quality properties also exist. For example, one might think of Château de Valois in Pomerol or Château Trotte Vieille in Saint-Émilion, two estates that perfectly reflect the characteristics of their respective appellations.
Le Blayais-Bourgeais
This part of the Bordeaux vineyard is located to the north of Bordeaux, on the right bank, facing the Médoc. Although less renowned than the previously mentioned regions, it nevertheless has many estates producing quality reds and whites offering excellent value for money. The Merlot is predominant here and the soils are mainly clay-limestone.
The Château Bel-Air La Royère in AOC Blaye Côtes-de-Bordeaux perfectly illustrates the qualities of this region.
The Entre-deux-mers
Here is another sub-region to consider in Bordeaux. This one is renowned for its quality production of dry, lively, and fresh white wines, perfect for pairing with seafood or summer dishes. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon reign supreme on this predominantly clay-limestone terroir. Some appellations like Loupiac or Cadillac also produce sweet white wines within the region.
The Cheval Quancard estate and its famous Clémence cuvée superbly illustrate the whites of the region.
The Sauternais
Finally, we arrive at the Sauternais, a region renowned for its production of legendary sweet wines made from grapes affected by noble rot, the fungus Botrytis cinerea. This concentrates the aromas of the grapes and allows winemakers to create sweet wines with great aromatic richness (notes of honey, butter, apricot, candied fruits, etc.). Sauvignon and Sémillon are sometimes complemented here by a hint of Muscadelle.
Among the most renowned estates in the region are, for example, the famous Château d'Yquem, Château Suduiraut or Château Climens.Nevertheless, other areas like Château Haut-Bergeron also offer sublime sweet wines with excellent value for money.
Wine for aging or immediate enjoyment ?
Besides the color of the wine and its appellation, it is also important to determine whether you want a wine for aging or immediate consumption. Wines for aging are cuvées with a more structured and tannic profile, therefore requiring a certain period of maturation in the bottle to reach their peak.
On the other hand, wines for immediate consumption are more supple and develop on a fruity and accessible register allowing them to be enjoyed as soon as they are purchased.
If you wish 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 an aging wine. An immediate consumption wine, on the other hand, will be perfectly suited for a more immediate and relaxed tasting.
The importance of the vintage in Bordeaux
Finally, one of the essential aspects when choosing a good Bordeaux wine is the vintage.Indeed, each 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 an intense aroma, ripe tannins, and excellent aging potential. However, in more modest vintages, the same wines may present lighter profiles and gripping tannins due to being less ripe.
Furthermore, it is important to consider that even within the same year, and from one property to another, the vintage impact can be more or less significant. Thus, in a vintage considered average or mediocre, one property may produce truly exceptional wines while the neighboring château may not present the same quality.Indeed, it is in the years when nature is less generous with man that the winemaker's expertise becomes even more decisive in the quality of the wines produced.
Therefore, do not hesitate to seek advice from
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing a good Bordeaux wine requires considering several factors such as the tasting occasion, the color of the wine, its style, its appellation, or its vintage. All these elements indeed play an essential role in the quality of the wines, and it is therefore crucial to take them into account.
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 wish to be advised, do not hesitate to contact directly at
