Bordeaux wine, renowned globally, offers a diverse range of flavors, from bold reds with hints of plum to lusciously sweet dessert whites. This French region boasts over 9,000 châteaux and 13,000 wine growers, crafting approximately 6 million hectoliters annually.
World-renowned for its viticultural legacy, Bordeaux stands as the largest fine-wine-producing region on the planet. However, some vino enthusiasts haven't had the pleasure of experiencing the delights of this region.
If you're one of them, you might be wondering: what does Bordeaux wine taste like? In this article, we share all there is to know about the French region and explore the delicious reds, whites and rosés it's most celebrated for.
Let's start with the basics: what is a Bordeaux wine? The term refers to all wines produced in the French region of Bordeaux. The majority are reds made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes.
While not quite as famed, Bordeaux whites and rosés are also very highly esteemed. Many blanc blends often feature Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Bordeaux rosé wine, on the other hand, is typically crafted from a combination of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes.
The Bordeaux wine region is situated in the southwest of France, within the Aquitaine region and near the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal positioning imbues the destination with a maritime climate.
Home to over 9,000 wine-producing châteaux and 13,000 wine growers, Bordeaux stands as the largest fine-wine-producing region in the world, boasting an annual production of approximately 6 million hectoliters (158 million US gallons).
What sets French Bordeaux wine apart is its remarkable diversity. The region's Gironde Estuary in the region connects the Atlantic Ocean to two rivers: the Dordogne in the east and the Garonne in the west.
These rivers converge at the base of the estuary, splitting Bordeaux into two areas: the Right Bank (to the east of the Dordogne) and the Left Bank (between the rivers and west of the Garonne).
The unique soil compositions present in each of the banks cause the grapes they produce to display very unique characteristics. This is why Bordeaux is able to produce such an impressive variety of wines, with over 50 appellations and more than 60 grand cru classés.
Now you're clear on what it is, you may be wondering what to expect from the taste of Bordeaux wine.
Explore its characteristics and flavor profile below.
When it comes to red wine from Bordeaux, each bottle is typically medium to full-bodied. Far from playing it safe, each variety is bold and bursts with aromas of plum and blackcurrant. Additionally, you'll often detect an earthy undertone to red wines from Bordeaux.
These general characteristics are prevalent in varieties throughout the region. However, differences in quality, vintage, and specific terroir can influence the wine's flavor profile. You may find tart tastes or sweetness, depending on these factors.
The Left Bank is often hailed as the home of the best Bordeaux wine. In fact, many of the world's most iconic and expensive varieties are produced here. Here you will find that bottles are crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
Also known as Médoc, The Left Bank has the highest concentration of gravel in the whole of Bordeaux.
This causes its grapes to ripen beautifully. In terms of the characteristics of Bordeaux wine made in The Left Bank, you can expect structured reds with hints of blackcurrant, mint and tobacco.
Margaux is one of the most highly respected appellations in the region. It is dripping with silky tannins and exudes delicate floral notes.
The Right Bank, on the other hand, lies to the east of the Dordogne River. Here, Merlot reigns supreme.
The Bordeaux wineries in the region often blend it with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
Merlot-based blends from the Right Bank have fruity, smooth and supple flavors complete with mellow tannins.
Saint-Emilion is one of the most famous appellations in this Bordeaux wine region. Its bottles are markedly complex and elegant and often have distinct flavours of cherries, plums and strawberries, which become quite dry as they stew over a number of years.
Now onto the whites. Many ask: "Is Bordeaux wine sweet"? This question often arises due to the global renown of Sauternes, a lusciously sweet dessert wine made in the region. While there are certainly sweet whites produced in Bordeaux, you'll also find semi-dry and fruity varieties.
In general, the blanc blends fall into one of two flavor profiles: light and fruity or rich and creamy. As with the reds, white wines from Bordeaux vary depending on the area in which they have been produced.
Renowned for producing the most famous white wine from Bordeaux, Sauternes is situated on the banks of the Ciron, a tributary of the Garonne. Like the other wine regions in the area, it benefits from a maritime climate.
Interestingly, Sauternes' iconic dessert wine was initially regarded as an aperitif. Several centuries ago, colder weather prevented grapes from fully ripening and sweetening. However, as the climate in Sauternes has warmed over time, grapes now ripen beautifully and more quickly, resulting in higher levels of residual sugar.
Nowadays, it exudes tasting notes of honey, butterscotch, ginger, apricot and peach. These unique aromas and exquisite flavors have led many to view Sauternes as one of the best sweet white wines in Bordeaux - and indeed, the world.
Situated in the north of the Graves region of Bordeaux, Pessac Leognon is a wine-growing area famed for producing the best dry white Bordeaux wines. One of the unique features of Pessac Leognon is its terroir which is characterized by a blend of gravelly and sandy soils that provide excellent drainage for the vines.
This distinctive soil composition combined with the region's maritime climate creates optimal growing conditions for the grape varieties cultivated here, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
The majority of white wines grown in this wine region of Bordeaux exude aromas of broom blossom, hazelnut, citrus, acacia, beeswax, peach and nectarine.
Rosé wine from Bordeaux is light, elegant and refreshing, with aromas of red berries, citrus fruits, and floral notes. On the palate, they often showcase flavors of strawberries, raspberries, and subtle hints of herbs, culminating in a crisp and lively finish.
However, varieties are produced under a large appellation known as 'Bordeaux rosé AOC. Due to its size, there are significant stylistic variations between areas.
Entre-Deux-Mers is the largest wine-growing area in the Bordeaux region and lies nestled between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. This enviable location blesses Entre-Deux-Mers with an impressively diverse terroir.
The area sprawls over 7,000 hectares and is renowned for its production of rosés, notably its renowned clairet. This unique style of rosé is distinguished by its deeper color and fuller body.
Bordeaux clairet typically exhibits a rich and vibrant flavor profile, with pronounced red fruit aromas including cherries and raspberries, along with hints of floral notes. On the palate, expect flavors of citrus and a touch of spice.
Looking to experience some of the best wine tours of Bordeaux and sample the finest varieties in the region? The area boasts a splendid selection of exceptional wineries, many of which welcome visitors to tour their estates and uncover the secrets behind their outstanding wines.
Château Troplong Mondot is situated in the beautiful region of Saint-Émilion and provides magnificent private wine tours. Explore the terroir of the grand cru classé winery in the company of an expert guide, who will tell you all about the passion that goes into the winemaking process, from grape to glass.
After investigating the vineyards during your wine tour at Château Troplong Mendet, a skilled expert will lead you through a tasting session. You can then follow up the experience with a visit to Les Belles Perdrix, the Michelin star located on the winery's 43-hectare estate.
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is a magnificent winery at the forefront of the biodynamic wine growing industry. Along with being celebrated for its impressive eco-conscious practices, the winery is renowned for providing some of the best private wine tours in Bordeaux
Visit the cru classé estate to discover it in all of its glory, from its stunning 16th-century architecture and sprawling vineyards to its forest art installations and its exceptional vintages.
To elevate your experience one step further, opt for a Master Class Workshop during which you'll delve into the philosophy and values that define the estate and shape it into the remarkable winery it is today.
When it comes to the best Bordeaux wine tours, it's hard to top Château Pédesclaux. It serves up eco-luxury at its finest. The 200-year-old estate prides itself on operating using environmentally friendly biodynamic methods. These have earned the winery an official organic certification.
Visit Château Pédesclaux for yourself to explore the stunning château and vineyard for yourself. An expert will lead you through the spellbinding estate, teaching you all about the gravity flow winery and guiding you through its ageing cellar.
Then, sit down to sample some of the gorgeous wines it produces for yourself. To delve into how the renowned Grand Vin develops through time, opt for a vertical tasting and sample its different vintages.
Looking for a wine tour in Bordeaux? Château Pichon Baron offers one of the finest in the region. The nineteenth-century castle is nothing short of breathtaking, complete with turrets and backdropped by a mosaic sea of vines.
After a private tour of the vineyard, meander into one of the chateau's private rooms to taste five varieties, including 2016 and 2014 vintages. Château Pichon Baron is particularly known for its fine reds, which consist of a deep blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Many of the Bordeaux wines from this winery boast flavors of baked black plums, blackcurrant jelly, and baked plums. Guests have the option to partake in a vertical tasting at Château Pichon Baron which involves sampling the same wine from different years and exploring the variations in vintages.
Offering such a unique and immersive experience, it's no wonder why many praise Château Pichon Baron for offering one of the best wine tours in Bordeaux.
Neighboring Margaux, Saint Julien boasts another of the best wine tasting tours in Bordeaux. The estate has earned worldwide recognition for its high-quality reds and rosés and its innovative approach to viticultural production.
Take a private tour of Château Marquis de Terme to uncover the heritage and unique dynamism of its wines. A guide will lead you through the estate, before inviting you to taste three exquisite varieties including a special "cuvée". Visit Château Pichon Baron while touring the vineyards of Margaux.
Bordeaux wine is famed for its exceptionally high quality and diverse varieties. From exquisite dessert whites with apricot hues to deep garnet reds bursting with blackcurrant notes, this world-renowned region of France offers a spectrum of flavors to delight the palate of every wine lover. Are you eager to experience the renowned Bordeaux wines first hand? Take a look at our exceptional range of wine tours in Bordeaux. We'll guide you to the region's finest wineries, inviting you to explore enchanting estates and sample the most exquisite reds, whites, and rosés the area has to offer.
