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Bordeaux Wines

Bordeaux is situated on the Atlantic coast in southwestern France, stretching eastward into the country along the left and right banks of the Garonne River. The river plays a vital role in achieving the towering quality for which Bordeaux wines are renowned. It helps temper the climate, allowing the grapes to mature slowly and attain the perfect sugar-acid balance, resulting in well-balanced wines with moderate alcohol and solid aging potential. Bordeaux also boasts unique and diverse soils that contribute to the variation in expression among Bordeaux's exceptional, characteristic, and prestigious wines. Fascinated by Bordeaux wine? Make sure you also read our Masterclass about Bordeaux.

The History Behind Bordeaux Wines

The wine region has a deep history that spans many centuries. The area was first planted with vines by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Later, English merchants in the Middle Ages influenced the region, establishing trade routes and making Bordeaux wines popular in England.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the area experienced significant growth and became known for its quality wines. Today, Bordeaux is one of the most famous and recognized wine regions in the world, particularly renowned for some of the world's most sought-after red wines, as well as white and dessert wines.

Grape Varieties in Bordeaux Wines

The appellation has a total of 13 approved grape varieties, all thriving in the region and contributing to the extensive variety of Bordeaux wines.

Typically, Bordeaux wines are composed of different grape varieties. Bordeaux wines from the left bank usually have Cabernet Sauvignon as the primary grape. These wines are often complemented by one or more of the regional varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Conversely, Bordeaux wines from the right bank always feature Merlot as the primary grape. The reason for this difference lies in the microclimate and terroir of the area. The right bank's distance from the Atlantic Ocean makes it challenging for Cabernet Sauvignon to mature, whereas the soil rich in clay provides optimal conditions for achieving outstanding results with the Merlot grape.

It is these differences that contribute to the wines' distinct expressions, making Bordeaux wines complex and endlessly fascinating.

Classification of Bordeaux Wines

The official classification for Bordeaux wines is extensive and complex, and deserves a comprehensive guide (we are working on it). In the meantime, you'll get a brief description of perhaps the most famous wine classification in the world – namely Bordeaux's 1855 classification known as Grand Cru Classé.

The 1855 classification system was established by Napoleon III's government for the 1855 Paris World Exposition. The system was developed to classify the best wines of the region and was originally created to differentiate between the various chateaux in the Médoc area. These chateaux were categorized into a 1st to 5th Cru Classé ranking, with 1st Cru being the highest accolade a château could achieve. The purpose of the classification system was to showcase the finest chateaux to visitors of the World Exposition. Since then, the 1855 classification system has retained its significance and, to a large extent, the same classification is used today to identify the finest Bordeaux wines from the left bank.

Fun Fact about Bordeaux Wines: Did you know that 9 times more red wine than white wine is produced in Bordeaux?

Wine Regions in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is divided into several sub-regions, each with its unique characteristics and high-quality wines. Here on ShareWine, you will always find exciting Bordeaux wines on auction from the most famous châteaux in Bordeaux.

Continue reading to learn more about some of the most popular sub-regions in Bordeaux and what characterizes their wines:

• Haut-Médoc: The Haut-Médoc region is a large area encompassing several appellations known for producing high-quality wines at reasonable prices. Haut-Médoc wines typically consist of a blend of the local grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. They are known for their complexity, structure, and excellent aging potential. Some of the renowned châteaux in Haut-Médoc include Chateau La Lagune, Chateau Cantemerle, and Chateau Sociando-Mallet.

• Pauillac: Pauillac is a renowned wine region located in the Médoc area. It is known for producing some of the most powerful and concentrated red wines in the region. Pauillac wines are dominated by the Cabernet Sauvignon grape and boast a rich flavor profile, typically offering blackberries, cedarwood, cassis, and a myriad of spice notes from barrel aging. Pauillac is home to several of the most famous châteaux in Bordeaux, including the historic 1st Cru Classé châteaux Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour, and Chateau Mouton Rothschild.

• Saint-Julien: Saint-Julien is renowned for its elegant and harmonious wines. Here, red wines are well-balanced, delicate, and exhibit finesse. Saint-Julien wines are often a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Some of the notable chateaux in Saint-Julien include Chateau Léoville-Las Cases, Chateau Léoville Poyferre, and Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou.

• Margaux: Margaux is a prestigious wine region known for its elegance, femininity, and finesse in wines. This is why its red wines are among the most seductive in all of Bordeaux. Margaux wines are often softer and more aromatic than those from neighboring areas. Treat yourself to experiencing the complex nuances of these Bordeaux ballerinas, with notes of flowers, red berries, tobacco, and delicate spices. The iconic 1st Cru Classé chateau, Chateau Margaux, is located in this area, but other producers such as Château Palmer have also become household brands world wide.

• Saint-Estèphe: Saint-Estèphe is a wine region known for producing powerful and robust red wines. Wines from Saint-Estèphe often display high intensity, depth, and concentration, with pronounced tannins and structure. They are typically blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Some of the famous chateaux in Saint-Estèphe include Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Chateau Montrose, and Chateau Calon-Ségur.

• Saint-Émilion: Situated on the right bank of Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is known for its exceptional red wines. The area boasts varied soils that contribute to different wine styles. Saint-Émilion wines usually lean toward the softer and fuller side, primarily based on the Merlot grape but may include Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. This appellation has its own Grand Cru classification and thus is not part of the 1855 classification. Well-known châteaux from this area include Chateau Figeac, Chateau Angelus, and Chateau Pavie.

• Pomerol: Pomerol is a small appellation also located on the right bank, known for its exclusive and complex red wines. These wines are also dominated by the Merlot grape, providing them with a softer structure. The world-famous Petrus is located in Pomerol and can be considered the crown jewel.

• Sauternes: The internationally renowned Sauternes appellation is situated in the Graves region, famous for producing the world's most exquisite sweet wines of the same name. These wines are made from grapes affected by noble rot, resulting in an incredibly rich and complex taste with notes of honey, nuts, orange peel, dried apricot, and caramel. Sauternes is an experience that must be savored. It's no joke that the wine is referred to as liquid gold. Chateau d'Yquem is the most famous and prestigious château in Sauternes. Wines from this estate are rare, but you can almost always find wine auctions featuring exciting vintages from Chateau d'Yquem on the ShareWine marketplace.

Fun Fact about Bordeaux Wines: Did you know that some of the vine roots extend more than 7 meters deep into the ground? This unique feature gives them an extraordinary ability to find water and nutrients in the often warm and dry climate.