Bordeaux

The wine region of Bordeaux surrounds the city of Bordeaux in Southwest France. The region is divided by the Garonne, Dordogne, & the Gironde Rivers which serve as moderating influences on the weather. In terms of sheer volume Bordeaux is largest wine growing region in France with some areas putting out gluts of bulk wine and other zones producing some of the most expensive wine on earth. Five main red varietals are permitted in Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, & Malbec. Small plantings of Carménère exist here as well, but are rarely seen after nearly being wiped out by Phylloxera in the 19th century. Bordeaux wines are typically always blends of two or more of the big five red Bordeaux varietals. Typically these blends will be centered around either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot depending on what grows best in that individual microclimate. In addition to red wine Bordeaux produces high quality sweet & dry white wine, rosé, & even some sparkling wine. The biggest differentiation in the wines of Bordeaux typically can be traced to geography more so than house style. The right bank of the Gironde river is slightly cooler and has soils composed of primarily clay and limestone. Because of this the early ripening Merlot grape thrives here and tends to dominate in most blends. On the left bank soils are predominately gravel which retains heat, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to fully ripen and thus making it a larger component of most blends. Largely considered one of the finest areas in all the world for wine production Bordeaux wine is a must-try for any serious wine drinker.