Bordeaux Wines

The Bordeaux Wine Region is divided into two main parts, known as the Left Bank and the Right Bank, by the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. The area between these two rivers is called Entre-Deux-Mers.

This region is known for its 57 appellations (AOC) and 38 sub-regions, making it the biggest producer of appellation wines in France.

The most commonly used grape varieties in the production of well-known Bordeaux wines are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, often accompanied by Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. These red grape varieties are globally recognized as the "Bordeaux Blend".

While red wine production accounts for 90% of the total output, there are also white Bordeaux blends made with primary grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. In some cases, Muscadelle is also used in this blend.

About Bordeaux Wines

The exceptional conditions for growing vines in the Bordeaux region are the main factor behind the flourishing winemaking industry. The geological base of the area is made up of limestone, resulting in a soil composition rich in calcium.

The Gironde estuary and its tributaries, the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, have a significant influence on the region's landscape, providing an Atlantic Climate (also referred to as an oceanic climate). The city of Bordeaux is situated at the junction of the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers, which flow into the Gironde. These rivers divide the region into three main areas:

"The right bank", located on the northern side of the Dordogne, around Libourne city.

"Entre-Deux-Mers", which translates to "between two seas", lies between the tidal Dordogne and Garonne rivers in the center of the region.

"The left bank", situated on the western and southern sides of the Garonne, including the city of Bordeaux. The left bank can be further divided into two regions: "Graves", found upstream of Bordeaux city, and "Médoc", located downstream of Bordeaux on a peninsula formed by the Gironde and the Atlantic.

In Bordeaux, the concept of "terroir" is crucial to Bordeaux wine production, with top vineyards aiming to create wines that showcase the unique characteristics of their location, often using grapes from a single vineyard. The soil in Bordeaux is a combination of gravel, sandy stones, and clay. The most highly regarded vineyards are typically located on well-drained gravel soils near the Gironde river. It is said that the best estates in Bordeaux have a view of the river from their vineyards. These river-facing lands are mostly occupied by classified estates.