The Left Bank of Bordeaux is a wine region located on the western side of the Gironde estuary, known for producing full-bodied red wines made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varietals. The region is home to several famous chateaus, many of which were included in the Classification of 1855, which classified the top chateaux of Bordeaux based on their reputation and quality of wine.

Varietals of the Left Bank Bank Bordeaux

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most commonly planted grape varietal for Left Bank Bordeaux wines. It is a thick-skinned grape that produces wines that are full-bodied with high tannins and a bold, structured profile. Cabernet Sauvignon is celebrated for its flavors of black currant, blackberry, and plum, complemented by aromas of cedar, graphite, and tobacco.

Merlot is the second most significant grape varietal on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. It is often used to soften the intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon in blends, adding plushness and balance. Merlot contributes flavors of ripe red berries, plum, and black cherry, along with aromas of chocolate, vanilla, and spice.

Petit Verdot is another notable varietal grown on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, though it is used more sparingly in blends. This late-ripening grape adds depth and intensity with its dark color, firm tannins, and flavors of blackberry, black pepper, and floral notes like violet.

Bordeaux Wine Regions – Left Bank

Medoc

Medoc is located on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary, and is one of the most prestigious wine-producing areas in the world. The region is home to some of the most famous chateaux (wine producers) in Bordeaux, including Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, and Chateau Mouton Rothschild. The Medoc is Bordeaux wine left bank and is known for producing full-bodied, tannic red wines that are built to age, with flavors of blackcurrant, leather, and tobacco.

Haut Medoc

The Haut Medoc is located south of the Medoc, and is known for producing wines that are slightly less tannic and more approachable in their youth than those of the Medoc. The region is home to several famous chateaus, including Chateau La Lagune and Chateau Sociando-Mallet. Note: Haut simply refers to the higher lands just south of the Medoc.

Graves

The Graves region is located south of Bordeaux city, and is known for producing both red and white wines. The red wines of Graves are made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and are known for their elegance and finesse. The white wines of Graves are made primarily from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, and are known for their rich, complex flavors.

Bordeaux Classification of 1855

One of the unique aspects of the Bordeaux wine industry is the system of classification that was first introduced in 1855. This system classified the top chateaus of the region into five different tiers, based on their reputation and quality of wine.

* * The most notable modification occurred in 1973, when Château Mouton Rothschild was elevated from Deuxième Cru (Second Growth) to Premier Cru (First Growth) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. This was a historic and unprecedented event, as the classification had remained largely unchanged since its inception.This elevation was the result of decades of lobbying by Baron Philippe de Rothschild

In addition to the classification system, Bordeaux is also known for its system of negociants en primeur. These are wine merchants who purchase wine directly from the chateaus while the wine is still in the barrel, before it has been bottled or released to the market. The wines are then sold to consumers as futures, with the understanding that the wine will be delivered to them once it has been bottled and released.Wine Regions

The Left Bank of Bordeaux is home to several important wine regions, each with its own unique terroir and style of wine. Which is better? Left Bank vs Right Bank Bordeaux is a common question asked by wine loves. The answer? It depends on the situation, the meal at hand, and the individual’s preferences.