French wines are named for the region they come from, rather than their grape varietals. When we talk about Bordeaux wines, that is not a special type of grape, but rather one or more of the grape varietals approved for that area. This is one of several differences between Old World vs New World approaches to wine. 

Bordeaux, one of the most iconic wine regions in the world, is located in southwestern France, where two rivers, the Garonne and the Dordogne, meet to form the Gironde estuary. The region is known for producing some of the world’s most highly prized and collectible wines.

The Right Bank of Bordeaux is a wine region located on the eastern side of the Gironde estuary, known for producing full-bodied red wines made primarily from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. 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 Right Bank

Merlot is the most commonly planted grape varietal on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. It is a thin-skinned grape that produces wines that are medium to full-bodied with soft tannins and a plush mouthfeel. Merlot is known for its fruit-forward flavors of cherry, plum, and blackberry, as well as its aromas of chocolate, vanilla, and cedar.

Cabernet Franc is another important grape varietal on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. It is often blended with Merlot to create wines that are full-bodied with medium to high tannins and a spicy, herbal flavor profile. Cabernet Franc adds complexity to the blend with its aromas of violet, graphite, and tobacco.

Cabernet Sauvignon is also grown on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, although it is not as commonly planted as Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is a thick-skinned grape that produces wines that are full-bodied with high tannins and a complex flavor profile of black currant, cedar, and tobacco.

Medoc

The 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 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.

 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.

Medoc: (1) Located on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary, the Medoc is one of the most prestigious wine-producing areas in the world. The region is known for producing full-bodied, tannic red wines that are built to age, with flavors of blackcurrant, leather, and tobacco. The Medoc is home to some of the most famous chateaus in Bordeaux, including Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, and Chateau Mouton Rothschild.

Pauillac: (1) Located in the northern part of the Medoc, the Pauillac region is known for producing full-bodied, tannic red wines that are built to age. The region is home to several famous chateaus, including Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour, and Chateau Mouton Rothschild.

Saint-Estephe: (1) Located in the northern part of the Medoc, the Saint-Estephe region is known for producing full-bodied, robust red wines that are characterized by their earthy, rustic flavors. The region is home to several famous chateaus, including Chateau Cos d’Estournel and Chateau Montrose.

Haut Medoc: (2) Located south of the Medoc, the Haut Medoc 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.

Margaux: (2) Located in the southern part of the Medoc, the Margaux region is known for producing some of the most elegant and refined wines in Bordeaux. The region is home to several famous chateaus, including Chateau Margaux, Chateau Palmer, and Chateau Rauzan-Segla.

Graves: (3) Located south of Bordeaux city, the Graves region 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.

Pessac-Leognan: (3) Located within the Graves region, the Pessac-Leognan appellation is known for producing some of the most highly regarded red and white wines in Bordeaux. The red wines are typically made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while the white wines are made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The region is home to several famous chateaus, including Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion.

Pronunciations

        Bordeaux (pronounced boar-DOE)

Medoc  (pronounced MEE-doke)

Haut-Medoc  (pronounced OH MEE-doke)

Graves (pronounced grahvz)

Paulliac (pronounced POY-yak)

Margaux  (pronounced mar-GO)

Saint-Esptephe (pronounced SAN eh-STEF)

Pessac-Leognan  (pronounced PES-ak lee-OHN-yohn)