Summary
The red grape varieties of Bordeaux
The red grape varieties make up more than 80% of the plantings in the Bordeaux region.Moreover, 3 varieties represent 98% of the red wine production.
Merlot
It represents 66% of the red grape planting and is therefore the star of the Bordeaux vineyard. It is distinguished by its tannic suppleness, charming fruitiness, and roundness on the palate. It particularly favors clay-limestone soils and is therefore mainly found on the right bank of the Garonne within appellations such as Saint-Émilion (Château Jean Faure), Pomerol (Château de Valois), or Blaye Côtes-de-Bordeaux (Château Bel-Air La Royère). From a taste perspective, it expresses notes of red and black fruits such as plum, cherry, or strawberry.
The Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cabernet Franc
It is the 3rd most important red grape variety and is planted at a rate of 9.5% in the region. It brings a nice acidity, rather supple tannins, aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and peony, as well as sometimes a slight vegetal side characterized by bell pepper.This one particularly thrives on the clay-limestone soils of the right bank, notably in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. It also contributes to the good aging potential of the wines.
All these grape varieties are generally used in blending. It is indeed rare in Bordeaux for a single grape variety to make up the entirety of a cuvée.
Merlot Bunches
The White Grape Varieties of Bordeaux
The white grape varieties represent less than 20% of the Bordeaux vineyard. Within this category, two of them account for nearly 90% of the production.
The Sémillon
It is the main white grape variety of the region and accounts for 45% of the white grape planting. It gives wines a lovely rich texture as well as aromas of white fruits, white flowers, and honey. It is mainly found in the Sauternais (Château Haut Bergeron) where it is used for the production of sweet wines thanks to its sensitivity to noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). Nevertheless, it is also present in the Graves region (Pessac-Léognan) and in the Entre-deux-mers (Cheval Quancard) where it is used to produce dry white wines.
The Sauvignon Blanc
It represents 43% of the white vineyard.If this grape variety is well-known for its presence in the Loire with appellations like Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé, it is also widely planted in Bordeaux. It is appreciated for its lively character and offers notes of exotic fruits, white fruits, and citrus here. Just like Sémillon, with which it is almost always blended, it is very present in Pessac-Léognan as well as in Entre-Deux-Mers.
Besides these two grape varieties, other less common varieties are also present in Bordeaux. For example, Muscadelle (5% of the vineyard in white) is used in small quantities in blends of dry and sweet white wines to bring floral and white-fleshed fruit aromas.Other grape varieties such as Colombard or Ugni Blanc are also present.
It is worth mentioning that Bordeaux is known for its art of blending. Thus, just like with red wines, the previously mentioned white grape varieties are almost always blended to complement their strengths and combine their aromatics.
You now know all the Bordeaux grape varieties ! Thanks to these explanations, you should now be able to select the wines that best match your preferences. If you would like more advice on the Bordeaux region, do not hesitate to contact directly
Sémillon Grapes
