This month is Bordeaux, so here's your guide to all things wine in an easily digestible fashion.
Big Love Matt x
Bordeaux Wine Region in a nutshell:
1. History:
The Bordeaux wine region is one of the oldest and most renowned wine-producing areas in the world, with a history dating back to Roman times;
In the 12th century, the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet (later Henry II of England) played a significant role in the region's wine trade, as it brought Bordeaux wines to the English market;
The Dutch drained the swamps in the mid-17th century and set the ground for well-drained, gravelly soils that are so suitable for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux’s maritime climate.” Once the Médoc peninsula was no longer underwater, vintners spent the subsequent centuries meticulously studying the region’s terroir and matching the right grape varieties to soil types.
2. Geographical Overview:
Bordeaux is located in the southwestern part of France, near the Atlantic coast, and is divided by the Gironde River into the Left Bank and the Right Bank;
The region has a maritime climate, with influences from the Atlantic Ocean moderating temperatures and providing a longer growing season;
3. Terroir:
Bordeaux is renowned for its concept of terroir, which refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, and grape varieties that contribute to the characteristics of the wine.
The region's terroir is diverse, with gravelly soils on the Left Bank (Medoc / Graves), clay and limestone on the Right Bank (St Emilion / Pomerol), and a mix of both in the Entre-Deux-Mers area.
4. Grape Varieties:
The principal grape varieties in Bordeaux are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, with smaller plantings of Malbec and Petit Verdot;
The Left Bank is known for Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blends, while the Right Bank often features Merlot-dominated wines;
5. Classification System:
Bordeaux has a classification system that dates back to 1855 when Emperor Napoleon III requested a classification of Bordeaux's best wines for the Exposition Universelle de Paris. This has remain pretty much unchanged since;
The classification includes five growths (or crus) in the Médoc, with Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Margaux among them;
6. Famous Châteaux:
Some of the most prestigious châteaux in Bordeaux include Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Haut-Brion, and Château Mouton Rothschild;
7. Great Vintages:
Bordeaux has had several outstanding vintages, including 1945, 1959, 1982, 1990, 2000, and more recently, 2009 and 2010. These vintages are often considered exceptional in terms of wine quality;
Left Bank, Right Bank and the Middle
Bordeaux, one of the most famous wine regions in the world, is divided by the Gironde River into three main areas: the Left Bank, the Right Bank, and Entre-Deux-Mers. Each of these regions has distinct characteristics in terms of climate, soil, grape varieties, and wine styles.
Chateaux Margaux on the Left Bank
Left Bank:
Location: The Left Bank is located to the west of the Gironde River;
Main Subregions: The major subregions on the Left Bank include the Médoc and Graves;
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape variety on the Left Bank, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc playing supporting roles;
Soil: The soil on the Left Bank is often gravelly, which provides good drainage and is considered ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon;
Wine Style: Wines from the Left Bank are known for their structure, tannins, and aging potential. They often exhibit flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and sometimes a hint of green pepper;
St Emillion on the Right Bank
Right Bank:
Location: The Right Bank is located to the east of the Gironde River;
Main Subregions: The primary subregions on the Right Bank include Saint-Émilion and Pomerol;
Grapes: Merlot is the dominant grape variety on the Right Bank, with Cabernet Franc and sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon also used;
Soil: The soil on the Right Bank is more diverse, with a mix of clay, limestone, and gravel. Pomerol, for example, has a high clay content;
Wine Style: Right Bank wines are often characterized by their roundness, softer tannins, and approachability at a younger age. They may display flavors of plum, cherry, and chocolate;
Entre Deux Mers - between two rivers bit
Entre-Deux-Mers:
Location: Entre-Deux-Mers translates to "between two seas" and is located between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers;
Grapes: Entre-Deux-Mers is known for white wine production, and the main grape varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle;
Soil: The soil is diverse, including clay and limestone;
Wine Style: White wines from Entre-Deux-Mers are typically crisp, refreshing, and may exhibit citrus and floral notes. It's also known for producing Bordeaux Blanc, a dry white Bordeaux wine;
In summary, the Left Bank produces predominantly red wines with Cabernet Sauvignon as the main grape, known for their structure and aging potential. The Right Bank produces red wines with Merlot as the dominant grape, resulting in wines with softer tannins and approachability. Entre-Deux-Mers is known for white wine production, offering refreshing wines with a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle.
Bordeaux is home to numerous prestigious wine estates, known locally as "châteaux." While opinions on the "top" estates can vary, several consistently rank among the best. Here are some of the most renowned wine estates in Bordeaux:
Top Vineyards & Wineries
There are great vineyards across the Bordeaux region, but if you see one of these on the menu, be sure to take an extra glance.
Left Bank (Médoc and Graves):
Château Margaux
Located in the Margaux appellation, Château Margaux is one of the first growths (Premier Cru) in the 1855 Classification. It is known for producing elegant and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines.
Château Lafite Rothschild
Situated in Pauillac, Château Lafite Rothschild is another Premier Cru in the 1855 Classification. Its wines, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, are celebrated for their finesse, complexity, and longevity.
Château Latour
Also located in Pauillac, Château Latour is a Premier Cru that has a history dating back several centuries. It is known for its powerful, structured, and long-lived Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Château Haut-Brion
The only first growth located outside the Médoc, Château Haut-Brion is situated in the Pessac-Léognan appellation in Graves. It produces both red and white wines, with a focus on Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc for reds.
Right Bank (Saint-Émilion and Pomerol):
Château Cheval Blanc
Located in Saint-Émilion, Château Cheval Blanc is renowned for its exceptional Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends. It is often considered among the top estates in Bordeaux.
Château Pétrus
Situated in Pomerol, Château Pétrus is one of the most sought-after and expensive wines in the world. It is known for its unique terroir and Merlot-dominated blends.
Château Ausone
Another prestigious estate in Saint-Émilion, Château Ausone has a long history and is known for producing wines of great complexity and aging potential.
Château Angelus
A Premier Grand Cru Classé estate in Saint-Émilion, Château Angelus is recognized for its Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends. It gained further acclaim after being promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé "A."
Other Notable Estates:
Château Mouton Rothschild
Located in Pauillac, Château Mouton Rothschild is a Premier Cru in the 1855 Classification. It is known for its artistic labels and powerful Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Château Trotanoy
Situated in Pomerol, Château Trotanoy is celebrated for its Merlot-based wines, displaying richness and complexity.
Enjoy everyone :-) This months Bordeaux wines to follow in my next post.
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