Bordeaux
The majority of Bordeaux wines are the dry, medium-bodied reds that made the region famous. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great châteaux of the Médoc, particularly those in Pauillac and Margaux, and from the "right bank" appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The legendary reds are complemented by high quality white wines, both the dry styles of Pessac-Léognan and the sweet, botrytised nectars of Sauternes.
The official Bordeaux viticultural region stretches for 80 miles (130km) inland from the Atlantic coast. It is home to more than 10,000 producers, who turn out a vast quantity of wine each vintage. These range from inexpensive everyday wines through to some of the world's most expensive and prestigious labels. Bottles of dry red wine produced under the region's generic Bordeaux appellation can be bought for just a few pounds. Those from the top châteaux are regularly traded for several thousand pounds.
Bordeaux's climate is well moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of the various rivers (the Dordogne, the Garonne and the Gironde Estuary into which they flow). The region takes its name (which translates roughly as "next to the waters") from the port city of Bordeaux, which serves as its logistical and administrative centre. Summer daytime temperatures hover around 77°F (25°C), and rarely rise above 86°F (30°C), while winter brings sub-zero temperatures only occasionally. Even the latitude here (45°N) is moderate: exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. The Médoc peninsula feels the maritime influence particularly strongly; local winemakers talk of the gentle breezes and light clouds that take the edge off even the hottest summer days.
The region's long, relatively warm summers are ideal for growing late-ripening grape varieties. That is not to say that cool, wet weather in spring and autumn is not a concern here. A fundamental reason that most Bordeaux red wines are made from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is that these two varieties bud, flower and ripen at different times and rates, which spreads the risk posed by poor weather conditions at flowering or harvest. In years when the autumn is wet, the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest suffers from rot and water-logging, but the earlier-ripening Merlot provides a back-up. When the spring is wet, the Merlot flowers poorly, leaving the Cabernet Sauvignon to take up the responsibility of providing a good harvest.
The vast expanse of pine forest to the south (La Forêt des Landes) protects Bordeaux from strong, salt-bearing winds coming off the Atlantic Ocean, although there is a risk of still winter air getting trapped and bringing frost to the Bordelais vineyards. The region's proximity to large masses of water, such as the Atlantic Ocean, the Gironde Estuary and the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, helps to moderate climatic extremes.
Merlot is the dominant red wine grape in the vineyards of Bordeaux, followed closely by Cabernet Sauvignon and then Cabernet Franc. Petit Verdot, Malbec and even Carmenère are also permitted. When used in combination, these varieties are variously referred to as a "Bordeaux Blend". Bordeaux's white wines are generally blends of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle.
While Bordeaux is well regarded for wines produced within specific areas, many of its wines fall under other, far less ambitious appellations. These include Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur and the sparkling-specific Crémant de Bordeaux. Bordeaux also has a distinct and historically significant classification system, which has remained largely unchanged since the middle of the 19th century.
Few regions can rival Bordeaux in terms of its impact on the wine world. The few contenders include Burgundy, Champagne, Rioja, Chianti and the Napa Valley.
-
£12.62
Château Du Barry Bordeaux Rouge
Château Du BarryChateau Du Barry has a saturated garnet colour that borders on purple-blue. The nose is elegant and powerful, delivering gingerbread, vanilla, and ...
View full details -
£15.88
Ronan by Clinet - Bordeaux Rouge 2018
petits chateaux bordeauxWhat a superb little wine! This is 100% Merlot from a variety of appellations on the north bank of the estuary are handled with extreme care and at...
View full details -
£64.49
Chateau Prieure Lichine - Margaux 2018
Petit ChateauThis 4th growth from Margaux is a deliciously fruited, moderately powerful red with elegant fruit aromas as you would expect from Margaux. It still...
View full details -
£111.64
Chateau Canon la Gaffeliere - St Emilion Grand Cru Classe 2017
petits chateaux bordeauxAnother excellent wine from the Von Niepperg stable. A blend of Merlot 60% Cabernet Franc 30% and Cabernet Sauvignon 10%, where the fruit was affec...
View full details -
£35.88
Chateau Lilian Ladouys - St Estephe Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel 2018
petits chateaux bordeauxPurchased by the Lorenzetti family in 2008, Chateau Lilian Ladouys is being groomed for stardom and indeed, even now it has been elevated to Cru Bo...
View full details -
£31.88
Ronan by Clinet - Bordeaux Rouge 2016 Magnum
petits chateaux bordeaux93 points Georgina Hindle, ww.decanter.com Incredibly aromatic and expressive nose full of ripe red fruits and floral scents. Smooth and sappy wit...
View full details -
£22.49
Domaine du Grand Ormeau - Lalande de Pomerol 2015
petits chateaux bordeauxA wine of great sophistication from the Garde family that is now in the 5th generation. With 80% of Merlot and the balance evenly split between Cab...
View full details -
£47.38
Chateay Meyney - St Estephe 2011
Petit ChateauOver the last decade or so Chateay Meyney has returned to the quality levels of yesteryear and is now a top flight St Estephe that should be consid...
View full details -
£96.40
Ronan by Clinet Double Magnum 2016
petit chateau bordeauxThis elegant and very good looking large format claret is the prefect present for all lovers of Bordeaux. It is 100% Merlot from a variety of appel...
View full details