
Made up of 6 sub-regions, Bordeaux vineyards stretch out over an extremely vast territory of over 120,000 hectares. This land of grand cru has 60 appellations, including Côtes-de-Bordeaux, Entre-deux-Mers, Fronsac, Graves, Margaux Pomerol, Pauillac, Saint Estèphe, Saint Julien, and Saint Émilion. These highly prestigious appellations enjoy international acclaim. The red wines produced in the Bordeaux regions are powerful and tannic and mainly produced from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties. Produced to a lesser extent, the white wines dry and sweet are also of superb quality, and are produced from the blending of the Sémillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle grape varieties.
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Appellations
- Fronsac
- Barsac
- Bordeaux Clairet
- Francs Côtes de Bordeaux
- Bordeaux Mousseux
- Bordeaux Supérieur
- Bordeaux
- Cadillac
- Canon Fronsac
- Cérons
- Côtes de Blaye
- Côtes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire
- Côtes de Bourg
- Côtes de Bordeaux
- Crémant de Bordeaux
- Entre-deux-Mers
- Graves
- Graves de Vayres
- Graves Supérieures
- Bordeaux Haut-Benauge
- Haut Médoc
- Lalande de Pomerol
- Listrac-Médoc
- Loupiac
- Lussac Saint-Emilion
- Margaux
- Montagne Saint-Emilion
- Moulis
- Pauillac
- Pessac Léognan
- Pomerol
- Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
- Puisseguin Saint-Emilion
- Saint-Emilion
- Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
- Saint Estèphe
- Saint Julien
- Sauternes
Bordeaux
The wines of Bordeaux are among the most renowned and expensive in the world. This ancient vineyard is composed of numerous châteaux, prestigious appellations, and classified grands crus. Terroir, climate, grape varieties, appellations, and food-wine pairings—discover everything you need to know about Bordeaux wines in our guide.
The History of Bordeaux Wines
The Bordeaux vineyard is one of the most iconic in France. Although vines have been cultivated in this region for millennia, it was truly during the Roman Empire that its cultivation intensified, became structured, and developed. In the Middle Ages, the Bordeaux vineyard became a model of oenology and already represented significant economic potential.
In 1855, the quality of Bordeaux wines was highlighted by the Classification of Grands Crus, commissioned by Napoleon III for the Universal Exhibition. This still-existing classification showcases the best terroirs and châteaux of Bordeaux.
Today, the Bordeaux vineyard covers more than 110,000 hectares, with thousands of estates and winemakers working daily to uphold its reputation. Between tradition and modernity, Bordeaux wines continue to reinvent themselves with each vintage.
The Different Appellations of Bordeaux Wines
The Classified Grands Crus
The first classification of Bordeaux Grands Crus was established under Napoleon III in 1855. It symbolizes prestige and quality worldwide. The classified crus illustrate the synthesis of the typicity of their terroir and the work of the winemakers. There are different classifications in the Bordeaux region.
The 1855 classification exclusively includes red wines from Médoc, sweet white wines from Sauternes, and one red cru from Graves. The 1st classified crus come from very prestigious châteaux: Château Haut-Brion, Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château d’Yquem.
The Graves classification was created in 1957 and rewards 16 crus. All these wines belong to the AOC Pessac-Léognan appellation. The Saint-Émilion classification, established in 1954, is revised every 10 years. The latest classification includes 82 estates with 64 Grands Crus and 18 Premiers Grands Crus Classés.
The Regions and Appellations of Bordeaux Wines
The Médoc
Located on the left bank of the Gironde, in the northwest of the department, this wine region enjoys a mild and humid climate. It produces great red wines from prestigious appellations:
- AOC Haut Médoc
- AOC Médoc
- AOC Saint-Estèphe
- AOC Listrac Médoc
- AOC Moulis
- AOC Saint-Julien
- AOC Pauillac
- AOC Margaux
Blaye and Bourg
Located on the right bank of the Gironde, the Blaye-Bourg vineyard was one of the last created in Bordeaux. This region mainly produces affordable red wine cuvées. The various appellations of the Blaye and Bourg vineyard are:
- AOC Blaye
- AOC Bourg and Côtes de Bourg (white or red wines)
- AOC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux (red and white wines)
- AOC Côtes de Bordeaux
- AOC Côtes de Blaye
The Libournais
A legendary region of Bordeaux, the greatest châteaux have built its reputation. It is the region of great red wines:
- AOC Canon Fronsac
- AOC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux
- AOC Côtes de Bordeaux
- AOC Francs Côtes de Bordeaux
- AOC Fronsac
- AOC Lalande de Pomerol
- AOC Lussac Saint-Émilion
- AOC Montagne Saint-Émilion
- AOC Pomerol
- AOC Puisseguin Saint-Émilion
- AOC Saint-Émilion
- AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
- AOC Saint-Georges Saint-Émilion
The Graves and Sauternais
Located south of Bordeaux inland, these vineyards produce powerful red wines, dry white wines, and remarkable sweet wines:
- AOC Barsac
- AOC Cérons
- AOC Graves (red and white wines)
- AOC Graves Supérieures
- AOC Pessac-Léognan (red and white wines)
- AOC Sauternes
The Entre-Deux-Mers
It is the largest wine region in Bordeaux. It has a great variety of terroirs and offers red wines, white wines, and sweet wines:
- AOC Bordeaux Haut-Benauge (sweet and dry white wine)
- AOC Cadillac
- AOC Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux
- AOP Côtes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire (sweet and dry white wine)
- AOC Entre-Deux-Mers
- AOP Entre-Deux-Mers Haut-Bénauge
- AOC Graves de Vayres (red wine, dry white wine, and sweet white wine)
- AOC Loupiac
- AOC Premières Côtes de Bordeaux
- AOC Sainte-Croix-du-Mont
- AOP Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux (red wine, dry white wine, and sweet white wine)
Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur
Throughout the Bordeaux region, vineyards and châteaux offer red wines, white wines, and sweet wines under a regional appellation:
- AOC Bordeaux (red wine, dry white wine, sweet white wine)
- AOC Bordeaux Clairette
- AOC Bordeaux Rosé
- AOC Bordeaux Supérieur (sweet white and red wine)
- AOC Crémant de Bordeaux
The Climate and Terroir of the Bordeaux Vineyard
The Bordeaux vineyard spans three distinct zones, each with its own characteristics. These three regions are separated by the two rivers that cross them: the Garonne and the Dordogne. There is the right bank and the left bank of the Gironde and the Entre-Deux-Mers located between the Garonne and the Dordogne.
The right bank to the north of the Gironde mainly consists of limestone soils. On the left bank, vines are cultivated on heavier soils of sand, gravel, and clay.
This multitude of terroirs and a climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean offer exceptional wines whose reputation is well established. Thanks to this great diversity of soils conducive to viticulture, the Bordeaux region can produce a wide variety of wines to accompany all your meals and homemade recipes.
The Iconic Grape Varieties of Bordeaux Wines
The Bordeaux region mainly produces red wines (90% of production) and a few white wine cuvées (about 10%). The grape varieties planted differ depending on the location of the vineyard.
On the right bank, Merlot dominates, planted at 70%. It is a grape variety that thrives particularly well on limestone soils. It is often blended with Cabernet Franc. It offers round wines with softened tannins and fruity notes.
On the left bank, Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape variety. It is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It produces wines with good tannic structure, perfect for aging.
Other grape varieties complement Bordeaux wines, such as Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carmenère or white varieties like Sauvignon, Sémillon, Muscadelle, Ugni Blanc, and Colombard.
Merlot
Merlot is a red grape variety with aromas of black fruits like blackberry, blueberry, or black cherry and floral notes of violet. It offers fruity wines that are easy to drink in their youth. In Bordeaux, it is often associated with Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon allows the production of great aging wines. It offers very present tannins and a beautiful structure to the cuvées. It produces complex and powerful wines that can develop intense aromatic bouquets of blackcurrant, leather, or cedar.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is also one of the iconic grape varieties of the Bordeaux region. It has notes of raspberries and blackcurrants. Balanced, it can be blended with Merlot to offer round and refreshing wines.
Malbec
Malbec is a typical red grape variety that produces rich and velvety wines. It has notes of black cherries, blueberries, and plums. As it ages, it offers a more complex bouquet around cedar and leather.
Sauvignon
Sauvignon is one of the most expressive white grape varieties. It gives the wine refreshing and lively aromas of citrus, fresh herbs, and jasmine. In Bordeaux, it is generally blended with Sémillon for bottles of dry or sweet white wines.
Sémillon
Sémillon is one of the key grape varieties of Bordeaux's famous sweet wines, including Sauternes. It has notes of citrus, candied pear, honey, and dates.
Muscadelle
Muscadelle is one of the traditional grape varieties of the Bordeaux region. It has intense floral notes. It is often associated with Sémillon to produce sweet wines like Sauternes.
The Wines of Bordeaux
Bordeaux Wines: The Best Food and Wine Pairings
Bordeaux Wines as an Appetizer
The Bordeaux region produces white wines, rosé wines, and red wines that can be enjoyed from the aperitif or to accompany a starter. If you are having a starter based on shellfish or seafood, you can opt for a bottle of dry white wine from a Bordeaux château. To accompany foie gras toasts, nothing beats a beautiful vintage of Sauternes for an unforgettable sweet and salty effect. Charcuterie boards can be enjoyed with bottles of young and fruity Bordeaux red wines.
Bordeaux Wines with a Main Course
Bordeaux wines are perfect for accompanying all your homemade recipes and festive meals. The great red wines of Bordeaux can enhance your game dishes and fine cuts of red meat. With their tannins and barrel aging, they offer perfect food and wine pairings. Opt for an appellation from a Château in Saint-Émilion or a Château Margaux to accompany your grilled meat dishes. A cru from Pauillac is the ideal food and wine pairing for your Easter lamb. Your sauced or grilled fish can be enjoyed with a bottle of a Bordeaux white wine cuvée.
Bordeaux Wines for Dessert
For dessert, it is possible to drink a bottle of Sauternes to accompany your sweet dishes. You can also enjoy a cuvée of dry and floral white wine to enhance a cheese platter.
Bordeaux wines are synonymous with French excellence. Thanks to a multitude of terroirs, the Bordeaux region offers us classified grands crus, exceptional red wines, and cuvées of dry or sweet white wines. Discover our selection of Bordeaux wines on Avenue des vins to accompany your moments of conviviality, directly from the wine estates and châteaux.