The excellence of Bordeaux wines

Bordeaux red wine tasting
The wines of Bordeaux, the jewels of the French wine world, are seductive in their diversity and excellence. From the left bank to the right, they offer a palette of flavours ranging from the best robust reds to the most delicate whites. Symbols of elegance and tradition, they delight palates the world over.

The terroirs of Bordeaux

Located in France's most famous wine-growing region, the terroirs of Bordeaux offer a remarkable diversity of soils, climates and microclimates, all of which contribute to the complexity and richness of the great wines produced.

The soils

The soils of Bordeaux wines are particularly varied, allowing a wide variety of grape varieties to be grown. In particular, there are clay-limestone soils, gravelly soils, sandy-gravelly soils and clay-siliceous soils. Each type of soil confers specific characteristics on the grapes, influencing the taste, aromatic profile and structure of the grands crus produced.

The climate

Bordeaux's climate is oceanic, characterised by hot summers and mild winters, with a moderating influence from the Atlantic Ocean. However, there are subtle variations in climate from one appellation to another, due to factors such as altitude, proximity to the Gironde and Dordogne estuaries, and the orientation of the vineyard plots.

Geographical location

The geographical location of the Bordeaux vineyards also contributes to the diversity of the terroirs. The region is divided into several distinct areas, including the left bank of the Garonne, the right bank of the Dordogne, and the Médoc, Graves, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and Sauternes regions. Each area has its own geological, climatic and topographical characteristics, which are reflected in the wines.

Key figures for Bordeaux wines

  • 5 300

    Winegrowing farms

  • 80

    Brokers

  • 300

    Trading houses

  • 3

    Cooperative Unions

  • 65

    AOC

  • 5

    Recognised classifications

  • 18

    Bottles of Bordeaux wine sold every second worldwide

Emblematic grape varieties of Bordeaux wines

Bordeaux wines owe their renown to an alliance of noble grape varieties, each making its own contribution to the sensory palette of the region's wines. Each grape variety breathes its own unique personality into Bordeaux wines, creating subtle, well-balanced blends that appeal to palates the world over.

  • Cabernet Sauvignon: produces rich, complex red wines with aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry and hints of green pepper.

  •  Merlot: a versatile grape variety, it produces velvety red wines with aromas of ripe red fruit and plums, and subtle hints of chocolate and vanilla. 

  • Cabernet Franc: this produces elegant red wines with aromas of fresh red fruit, green pepper and violets, silky tannins and good acidity.

  • Petit Verdot: a grape variety that brings structure and intensity to red wine blends, with its aromas of black fruits, violets and pepper, adding depth and complexity to the aromatic palette. 

  • Malbec: a grape variety that produces rich, full-bodied red wines with pronounced aromas of black fruits, plums, violets and spices.

Classification of Bordeaux Grands Crus

  • 1855 Grands Crus Classés logo

    1855-04-18

    Grands Crus Classés 1855

    Divided into five levels, from Premier to Cinquième Cru, this classification establishes a hierarchy between the best estates in the region.

  • Logo Classification of Saint-Émilion wines

    1955-09-12

    Classification of Saint-Émilion wines

    It celebrates the most prestigious vineyards on Bordeaux's right bank. This classification highlights estates renowned for their excellence and distinctive character.

  • Logo Crus Classés de Graves

    1959-02-16

    Crus Classés de Graves

    Spotlighting the jewels of this region, singling out the vineyards that stand out for their quality and renown. 

  • Logo Classement des Crus Artisans du Médoc

    2006-01-02

    Classement des Crus Artisans du Médoc

    Aims to recognise and promote small, high-quality wine estates in the Médoc region. This classification puts the spotlight on passionate producers who carry on family winemaking traditions.

  • Logo Classement des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc

    2020-02-20

    Classement des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc

    Distinguishes Médoc wine estates that embody excellence and consistency in the production of superior quality wines. This classification recognises the producers' commitment to strict standards of quality and sustainability.

Bordeaux wines at U'wine

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