What is "Bordeaux wine"?
Bordeaux wine is one of the most famous and high-quality French wines. "Bordeaux" refers to wine produced in the Bordeaux region of France.
More than 90% of Bordeaux wine is red wine made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
However, Bordeaux has a wide variety of terroirs, climates, and blends, and a wide range of wine types. There are many types of Bordeaux wine. Knowing the characteristics of each region will make choosing wine more fun!
2000 years of Bordeaux wine history
Grape cultivation began in Bordeaux over 2,000 years ago! ! It was started by the Roman army at the beginning of the 1st century. Also, the name Bordeaux wine became popular in the 12th century. It began with the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry II Plantagent, who later became King of England. Bordeaux began trading with England and was successful in its sales.
In the 17th century, large chateaux such as Haut-Brion arose. Wine was sold in bottles and exports developed. In the 18th century, winemaking in Bordeaux entered its golden age. In 1855, the Médoc classification Grand Cru was born.
To this day, they continue to produce wine that captivates people all over the world. That's why.
Grape varieties used for Bordeaux wine
Red grapes are the most commonly grown grapes in Bordeaux vineyards. The cultivated area occupies 60%. Merlot prefers cool clay-limestone soils, such as Pomerol, Saint-Emilion, and Fronsac. In a short period of time, it is possible to produce gentle, fruity, supple and elegant wines.
Merlot
Red grapes are the most commonly grown grapes in Bordeaux vineyards. The cultivated area occupies 60%. Merlot prefers cool clay-limestone soils, such as Pomerol, Saint-Emilion, and Fronsac. In a short period of time, it is possible to produce gentle, fruity, supple and elegant wines.
cabernet sauvignon
When you think of the Bordeaux region, you think of Cabernet Sauvignon! A characteristic red grape representing Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon prefers warm, sandy, gravel soils and is mostly grown in the Médoc and Graves. A rich, high-quality, deep wine. Requires long aging.
cabernet franc
A red grape variety commonly grown in Libourne, an area located in the center of the left bank of the Dordogne River. A delicate balance of fruit and spice adds delicacy to the wine.
Petit Verdot
Red grapes with tannin and spicy aromas.
malbec
A red grape famous for being used in Cahors wine. Blending adds fruity aroma and strength.
Semillon
A white grape variety commonly used in Sauternes. We make fine, fruity, and wonderful white wines.
Sauvignon
Another great white grape from Bordeaux. Produces a fresh, sweet white wine.
Muscadelle
Traditional white grape variety. It brings floral notes and a wonderful aromatic richness to the wine.
Bordeaux wine and AOC (appellation)
Bordeaux has 60 AOCs (Controlled Designations of Origin), which produce a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines.
In addition, Bordeaux has three major rivers: the Garonne, the Gironde, and the Dordogne, and the region can be divided into the right bank, the left bank, and the center. Each region has different characteristics.
[AOC made throughout Bordeaux]
Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieure account for 50% of Bordeaux wine.
AOC Bordeaux
Mainly producing red wines, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but also producing dry white wines.
AOC Bordeaux Superieure
It has stricter production conditions than Bordeaux. It produces red wines and sweet whites, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
AOC Clement de Bordeaux
A sparkling wine developed using a secondary fermentation method in a bottle. Most are white, but there is also rosé.
AOC Bordeaux Rose
We only produce rosé wines that are attractive and easy to drink.
AOC Bordeaux Clare
Cleret is a red wine exported to England by France in the Middle Ages. It produces wines with a color between red and rosé.
[AOC on the left bank of the Garonne and Gironde rivers]
Left Bank blends are often made with Cabernet Sauvignon. It is bold, has strong tannins, and is characterized by masculine strength.
Grapes commonly used on the left bank
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Merlot
3. Cabernet Franc
4. Malbec
5. Petit Verdot
Medoc/Medoc
The Médoc only produces red wine. The boldest and most tannic wine in Bordeaux, it pairs well with aging and red meat.
Typical subregions of the Médoc
Pauillac, Saint Julien, Saint Estephe, Meurice, Margaux
Graves
We produce red wine and dry white wine.
Typical subregions of Graves
Pessac Leognan
[AOC on the right bank of the Dordogne River]
The right bank blend is mainly Merlot. In general, many soft, sophisticated and feminine wines are produced.
Grapes commonly used on the right bank
1. Merlot
2. Cabernet Franc
3. Cabernet Sauvignon
Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Fronsac
Many fragrant, supple, and feminine wines are made, mainly from Merlot.
Cotes de Bordeaux
It mainly produces red wine, but also produces dry white wine.
[AOC between Garonne and Dordogne]
The area between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers is called Entre de Mers. It is best known for its white wines (a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and the rare Muscadale).
Sauternes
Sweet white wine. Morning fog in the Sauternes region causes a particular type of fungus called botrytis to develop in the white grapes grown in the area. The fungus shrinks and sweetens the grapes, creating one of the sweetest white wines in the world.
Classification by Bordeaux's own chateau
In Bordeaux, there is an officially determined classification (rank) in addition to the A.O.C. (appellation), which is a controlled designation of origin determined by French wine law.
Each of the five regions, including the Médoc and Saint-Emilion, has its own rating, and each chateau in every region is rated.
Only 5% of the total Bordeaux wine production is ranked in the regional classification! ! Therefore, wines that are ranked in the ranking are "special wines."
What are the 5 major chateaus?
"Bordeaux's five major chateaus" are often heard in Japan. This is a wine that is ranked first class in the Médoc region. Just being ranked is "special", but it's even more of a "first-class wine" from the historic Medoc region! ! It is a wonderful chateau that is recognized all over the world.
Chateau Margaux
Chateau Haut-Brion
Chateau-Latour
Chateau Lafite-Rothschild
Chateau Mouton-Rothschild
Enjoy historic Bordeaux wine
Bordeaux is a red wine made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon! ! Although this image is strong, there are many other attractive wines. Be sure to try a variety of bottles of historic Bordeaux wine.
