AOC Bordeaux

AOC Bordeaux brings vineyards spread across communes throughout the Gironde under one set of rules. Red, white or rosé, every wine follows the same official specification. According to that document, the appellation produces on average more than 2 million hectoliters of red wine, 300,000 of white and 200,000 of rosé.

From Vine to Cellar, One Set of Rules

The appellation covers still white, rosé and red wines. Two terms may follow its name on the label: “clairet” for a deep-colored rosé and “claret” for a light red. The geographic name “Haut-Benauge” is reserved for whites.

In the vineyard, the yield is set at 60 hectoliters per hectare for reds, 62 for rosés and 67 for whites. In the cellar, reds must go through malolactic fermentation, which softens their acidity; among reds, only clarets are exempt.

Apart from claret, a red AOC Bordeaux has no more than 3 grams of sugar per liter. A white may be dry or keep between 5 and 60 grams of sugar; its label then states its sweetness level, such as medium dry or medium sweet.

History of the AOC Bordeaux appellation

The history of the vineyards of the AOC Bordeaux appellation is rich and ancient, dating back to Roman times. It has thrived over the centuries to become one of the most prestigious vineyards in the world.

Climate and terroir of the AOC Bordeaux appellation

• Climate: The AOC Bordeaux vineyards benefit from a temperate oceanic climate, with relatively mild winters and well-distributed rainfall, and fairly warm summers.
• Soils: The terroir of the AOC Bordeaux appellation consists of diverse soils, ranging from gravel to clay and limestone, offering a wide variety of characteristics to the wine.

The essential grape varieties of the AOC Bordeaux appellation

The wines of the AOC Bordeaux are made from grape varieties, the main ones being Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon (for red, rosé, and clairet), and Sémillon and Sauvignon (for white). Some auxiliary grape varieties are also allowed, such as:

• Malbec (red and rosé)
• Carmenère (red and rosé)
• Petit Verdot (red and rosé)
• Muscadelle (white)

Style of AOC Bordeaux wines

• White: The color can range from pale yellow to deep gold depending on the domain. AOC Bordeaux white wines, often dominated by Sauvignon, are characterized by aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits (mandarin, lemon, grapefruit), and sometimes vanilla (when aged in oak barrels).
• Rosé: The color ranges from pale pink to intense pink in the case of clairet. The nose reveals aromas of red fruits (strawberries, raspberries), and citrus. The palate is often soft and supple, with a hint of tannins in the clairets.
• Red: AOC Bordeaux red wines vary greatly in style from one chateau to another. From soft and fruity red wine, with notes of red and black fruits, to powerful and woody wine, there is something for every taste.

The best food and wine pairings with AOC Bordeaux wines

Here are some ideas for dishes to accompany a wine from a chateau or domaine in the AOC Bordeaux appellation, whether white, red, or rosé:

• White: Shrimp and avocado verrine, asparagus flan.
• Rosé: Salmon tagliatelle, rosette (cured pork sausage).
• Red: Duck breast, beef flank steak, Basque chicken stew.

AOC Bordeaux Questions: Grapes, History and Where to Buy

Can an AOC Bordeaux wine be made from a single grape?

An AOC Bordeaux wine can be made from a single grape, because the rules do not require a blend. They only cap certain varieties, such as secondary grapes: no more than 30% in whites and 20% in rosés. A single-variety wine therefore relies on a classic grape, such as Merlot for reds or Sauvignon Blanc for whites.

Why can a Bordeaux contain Marselan or Touriga Nacional?

Marselan and Touriga Nacional are allowed in AOC Bordeaux as varieties chosen to adapt to climate change. Planted under an agreement with INAO, France's appellation authority, they cover no more than 5% of a grower's vineyard and 10% of the blend. Arinarnoa, Castets and Vidoc have the same status.

When was the Bordeaux appellation created?

The Bordeaux appellation dates from a decree of November 14, 1936, which recognized it as an AOC. It builds on a department-wide boundary set by a decree of February 18, 1911, when Gironde growers were seeking protection from fraud.

Where can you buy AOC Bordeaux wines direct from the winemaker?

You can buy AOC Bordeaux wines direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. Your order ships straight from the producer, with no middleman.

See also: AOC Bordeaux Rosé - AOC Crémant de Bordeaux - AOC Entre-deux-Mers