Bordeaux is a renowned wine region located in France, known for producing some of the world's finest wines. The wines from Bordeaux are primarily red wines, accounting for more than 86% of the region's production. The main grape varieties used in Bordeaux red wines are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
Merlot is a versatile grape that adds richness, smoothness, and fruitiness to the wines. It is often the dominant grape in Bordeaux blends, providing flavors of black cherry, plum, and chocolate. Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure, tannins, and aging potential to the wines. It contributes flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco. Cabernet Franc, although less common, adds an herbal and spicy character to the blend.
The Bordeaux red wines are typically a blend of these grape varieties, with the proportions varying depending on the specific region within Bordeaux. The Left Bank of Bordeaux, which includes famous appellations like Pauillac, Margaux, and Saint-Julien, tends to have a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, resulting in wines with more power, structure, and aging potential. The Right Bank, including appellations like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, leans towards a higher proportion of Merlot, yielding wines that are softer, rounder, and more approachable at a young age.
Aside from red wines, Bordeaux also produces white wines, although they are less well-known compared to their red counterparts. The main grape varieties used for white Bordeaux wines are Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Sauvignon Blanc contributes vibrant acidity, citrus flavors, and herbaceous notes to the wines, while Sémillon adds body, richness, and flavors of honey and tropical fruits.
One notable style of white Bordeaux wine is Sauternes, a sweet wine made from botrytized grapes. Botrytis cinerea, also known as “noble rot,” is a beneficial fungus that shrivels the grapes and concentrates their sugars, resulting in a lusciously sweet and complex wine. Sauternes wines are highly prized for their rich flavors of honey, apricot, and botrytis-derived characteristics.
Bordeaux wines encompass a wide range of styles and flavors, with red wines being the most famous and predominant. The region's red wines are typically blends of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, while the white wines are made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Whether you prefer a bold and structured red or a crisp and aromatic white, Bordeaux offers a diverse selection of wines to suit various preferences and occasions.