Location: In the south west of France, near the Atlantic coast, around the city of Bordeaux Main Cities: Bordeaux, Mérignac, Libourne, Bègles, Blanquefort
Vineyards cover 120,000 hectares with over 13,000 wine growers (7,000 chateaux).
Annual wine production of 850 million bottles (25% of all AOC in France).
Obviously, a wine region of legendary proportion – from the standpoint of reputation. The location of Bordeaux on the Atlantic coastline with three significant rivers traversing it sustains a microclimate as well as soil conditions that combine to form an environment well suited to the creation of great wines. Much of Bordeaux's success in producing fine wines is attributed to its terroir - the combination of soil characteristics, location, and climate.
In this region, there are the distinctive local soils, beginning with the most famous, the gravels which have given their name to Graves and which are present throughout on the left bank of the Garonne and in the Libourne region (in Pomerol and part of Saint Emilion). These provide ideal soil conditions for vines as they encourage deep root penetration and a well regulated intake of water. Limestone and clay/limestone soils on sites in Saint Emilion, Sauternes and the Cotes also have specific characteristics. Finally, there are areas of molasse sandstone, boulbenes (stoney silt/clay) and recent alluvial deposits. The latter are typical of soils alongside rivers and are known in the Gironde area as palus (from the Latin for 'marsh').
The primary grape varietals of this region are: Whites - Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Gris; Reds - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot.
Well-known AOCs - Bordeaux (and all it variations – Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux , Ste Foy Bordeaux), Entre-deux-Mers, Graves , Margaux, Medoc , Pauillac, Pomerol, St. Emilion, St. Estephe, Sauternes. The vast majority of Bordeaux wines are blends. For the reds, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, sometimes with the addition of Malbec or Petit Verdot. For the whites, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle, sometimes with the addition of Sauvignon Gris. If the whites are late harvested (botrytis), they will be similar in style to Sauternes.
The current focus is to differentiate left and right bank AOCs. The two prevailing red wine-producing subregions of Bordeaux are aptly referred to as " Left Bank " and " Right Bank ." The Left Bank has soils with higher gravel content that favor Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. French wines from the Left Bank usually require more time to mature and will age for years. While the Right Bank lends itself to soil with more clay, preferring the Merlot grapes, with their early-ripening characteristics. The Right Bank wines are typically better suited for beginning Bordeaux wine drinkers, as they have lower tannin content, more fruit-forward flavor and are more inviting initially.
North of Médoc wine area, between Blanquefort and Saint Seurin de Cadourne
Places
Blanquefort, Bégadan, Saint Christoly de Médoc, etc
Soil
Gravels, Clayey-limestone
Size
4,900 ha (12,000 acres) (About 650 vine growers)
Production
40 million bottles (No white wine, Most important red wine producing area)
Grapes
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Type of Wine
Fruity full-body red wine
Age
5 to 10 years
Vintages
2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995
Aromas
Oak, Red fruits, Spices, Vanilla
Food
Red meat, Roasted beef, Ham, Rabbit in mustard sauce
Cheese
Beaufort, Emmental, Ossau-Iraty, Roquefort, Saint Nectaire
The Médoc is situated north of the town of Bordeaux, on the left bank of the Gironde. Médoc is divided in two parts, the Haut-Médoc in the south, near the town, and the north part traditionally called Médoc. Wines from Médoc are red. They are delicate, medium colored, they are fine and elegant; often tannic when young, harmonious and splendid when matured. Grands crus classés in Médoc count for 25% of the vineyards, 20% of the production and about 50% of the sales. However none sells under the Médoc appellation but Haut-Médoc, Pauillac, Margaux, Saint Julien, Saint-Estèphe and Chateau Haut-Brion in Pessac Léognan.
HAUT-MEDOC
Name
Appellation Haut-Médoc Controlée, 5 Grands Crus Classés in Haut-Médoc, Many Crus Bourgeois
Location
South of Médoc
Places
Saint Laurent du Médoc, Avensan, Macau, Saint Seurin de Cadourne, etc
Soil
Gravels, clay, Clayey-limestone
Size
4,270 ha (10,500 acres) (About 400 vine growers)
Production
36 million bottles
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Type of Wine
Medium to full-body red wine
Age
5 to 10 years or more
Vintages
2005, 2004, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995
Aromas
Dried cherry, Berry fruits, Barnyard, Vanilla
Food
Veal, Poultry, Rabbit
Cheese
Cantal, Fourme d'Ambert, Saint Nectaire
Haut-Médoc is actually south of the the Médoc region. 5 Grands Crus Classés (Great Growths) are based in Haut-Médoc. All the others are in the adjacent and smaller in size appellations: Pauillac, Margaux, Saint Julien, Saint Estèphe. Haut-Médoc - such as in Médoc - is a land of red wine. They are generous, not too powerful red wines with a delicate bouquet of vanilla and black fruits.
MARGAUX
Name
18 Grands Crus Classés Appellation Margaux Controlée
Location
On the plateau overlooking the Gironde estuary
Places
Margaux, Arsac, Cantenac, Labarde and Soussans
Soil
White graves (gravels)
Size
1,300 ha (3,200 acres) (80 chateaux and domaines)
Production
9.5 million bottles
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Roasted duck, Game, Partridge and feathered game, Spare ribs
Cheese
Saint Nectaire, Edam, Gouda
Margaux lays on a soil of white graves - a special kind of gravel brought from the mountains by the river. Margaux (also a female name in France) is the quintessence of the terroir and of the winemaker's work. That is probably the reason why the best châteaux produce also the best wines! In Margaux, Château Margaux produces the most delicate wine of the Médoc. They are 18 Grands Crus Classés (great growths) in Margaux. Margaux wines have a full-flavored bouquet and a magnificent elegance.
SAINT-ESTEPHE
Name
5 Grands Crus Classés, Appellation Saint-Estèphe Controlée, About 50 crus bourgeois
Location
North part of Médoc, close to Pauillac
Places
Saint-Estèphe
Soil
Gravel, Clay, Sand
Size
1,200 ha (3,000 acres) (155 wine growers)
Production
9 million bottles
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Carmenère, Malbec
Saint-Estèphe is a true "terroir" wine. The influence of the soil, gravels as usual and more clays than in Médoc, can be experienced when tasting a Saint-Estèphe wine. Although Pauillac is just close-by, Saint-Estèphe wines are different. Saint-Estèphe wines are very colored, earthy, firm, robust and tannic. They reach their maturity slower than other Médoc wines. Saint-Estèphe hosts 5 Grands Crus Classés (great growths) such as Château Montrose and Château Cos d'Estournel.
PAUILLAC
Name
18 grands crus classés, Appellation Pauillac Controlée
Location
Between Gironde river and Canal du Midi in the Médoc (On the way to Saint Estèphe)
Places
Pauillac, etc
Soil
Gravels and sands
Size
1,100 ha (2,700 acres) (115 wine growers)
Production
8.5 million bottles
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Red meat, Red meat game, Foie gras, Mushroom dishes
Cheese
Saint Nectaire, Edam, Gouda
Pauillac is maybe the best appellation of Bordeaux with three premiers grands crus classés (1st great growth) out of 5. Pauillac has 18 grands crus classés in total! The great châteaux of Pauillac are Château Lafite, Château Latour and Château Mouton-Rothschild. Pauillac wines generally have a lot of body, tannic and acid when they are young; they have an opulent bouquet with aromas of blackcurrant and cedar when they age.
SAINT JULIEN
Name
11 Grands Crus Classés, Appellation Saint Julien Controlée, Crus Bourgeois
Location
At the center of Haut-Médoc
Places
Saint Julien Beychevelle
Soil
Gravels
Size
900 ha (2,200 acres) (26 vineyards)
Production
6.5 million bottles
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Type of Wine
Powerful red wine
Age
10 to 15 years
Vintages
2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995, 1990
Aromas
Black currant, Cocoa, Cedar box
Food
Lamb, Game, Ham, Rabbit in mustard sauce
Cheese
Edam, Gouda
Just a little bit less powerful than Pauillac and rustic than Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Julien wines are very aromatized. They are harmonious and well balanced red wines. Saint-Julien is the right balance between Pauillac and Margaux. Saint-Julien has 11 Grands Crus Classés (great growths). The quality is so good in Saint-Julien, that second wines from those châteaux are very attractive.
LISTRAC
Name
Appellation Listrac Controlée, 22 crus bourgeois in Listrac
Location
In the Médoc, North of Moulis
Places
Listrac-Médoc
Soil
Limestone, Clayey-limestone
Size
700 ha (90 domains and chateaux)
Production
5 million bottles
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Type of Wine
Tannic medium-body red wine
Age
up to 10 years
Vintages
2005, 2003, 2000, 1998
Aromas
Black currant, Woody, Licorice
Food
Roasted duck, Rumsteak, Tournedos, Spare ribs
Cheese
Saint Nectaire, Edam, Gouda
Listrac is more distant from a river and from the ocean than any other Bordeaux appellations. At the beginning of the last century, Listrac was one of the largest appellation in Médoc. The traditional link between Listrac and Moulis should not prevail. Actually, the wine is closer to Saint-Estèphe. Listrac produces vigorous and tannic red wines.
MOULIS
Name
Appellation Moulis Controlée, Crus Bourgeois
Location
Closer to the Atlantic, in the west part of Haut-Médoc
Places
Moulis en Médoc
Soil
Gravels, Clayey-limestone
Size
550 ha (1,300 acres) (42 properties)
Production
4.2 million bottles
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Type of Wine
Velvety red wine
Age
3 to 8 years and more
Vintages
2005, 2003, 2000, 1998
Aromas
Black currant, Red fruits, Violet, Licorice
Food
Roasted guinea fowl, Feathered game
Cheese
Camembert, Saint Nectaire, Edam, Gouda
Moulis name is coming from "moulin" (french word for windmill). Indeed nowadays, three ancient mills are still viewable in Moulis. Moulis produces a velvety red wine, less tannic than Listrac. Moulis is ready to drink sooner than other Médoc wines.
Graves wine region
GRAVES
Name
Grands Crus Classés Graves, Appellation Graves Controlée, Appellation Graves Supérieur Contrôlée: sweet white wine only
Location
South of Bordeaux
Places
Illats, Mazères, Portets, etc
Soil
Graves: gravels, clay and sand from the mountains carried out by the river
Red: Red fruits, Cinnamon, Black currant; White: Flowery (lime-flower), Passion fruits, Apricot
Food
Red: Roasted pork, Medallion of veal, Roasted duck; White: Lobster
Cheese
Red: Beaufort, Roquefort; White: Cantal, Crottin de Chavignol, Roquefort, Valencay
The area of Graves gets its name from the soil. Graves are a mix of gravels, clay and sand carried out by the river. Graves appellation is located just outside the town of Bordeaux. The red wines of Graves are recognizable by their garnet-red color, rich, attractive and more robust than the other Médoc wines. Two third of Graves wines are white. Among the best white wines in Bordeaux, they are generally fresh, fruity and dry (some time half-dry). The appellation of "Graves supérieurs" is strictly reserved to sweet white wines.
PESSAC-LEOGNAN
Name
8 Grands Crus Classés Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan Controlée
Red wine: Beaufort; White wine: Cantal, Crottin de Chavignol, Roquefort, Valencay
The famous "clairets" wine was made first in Pessac Léognan. Pessac Léognan was detached from the Graves appellation. North of the Graves, Pessac Léognan tends to get closer and closer to Médoc. The terroir in Pessac Léognan is quite exclusive. Red wines from Pessac Léognan have a powerful bouquet. They are among the best in Bordeaux. You will find Haut-Brion in Pessac Léognan. White wines are well-structured and can age in a cellar. After 5 years they begin to express rich aromas.
SAUTERNES
Name
Crus Classés de Sauternes
Appellation Sauternes Controlée
Location
50 km south east of Bordeaux
Places
Sauternes, Barsac, Bommes, Fargues de Langon, Preignac
Soil
Gravels, Clayey-limestone, Limestone
Size
1,800 ha (4,500 acres)
Production
4.5 million bottles
Grapes
Sauvignon, Sémillon, Muscadelle
Type of Wine
Powerful delicate sweet white wine (The King of sweet wines!)
Sauternes is famous for sweet wines such as Yquem, Raymond-Lafon and Rieussec. They are among the best dessert wines in the world. Sauternes is made with noble rot (also called botrytis, a moisture covering the grape), Because soils are so diverse, and each house has its own way of making the golden wine, Sauternes is a very personalized wine. Sauternes are often delicious, golden, unctuous and delicate. The famous roasted note comes when Sauternes is a little bit older.
BARSAC
Name
Crus Classés de Sauternes, Appellation Barsac Controlée, or Appellation Sauternes Controlée
Location
50 km (31 miles) south-east of Bordeaux, along the left bank of the Garonne river
In the southern part of the Bordeaux region, Barsac is famous for outstanding sweet wines such Chateau Climens and Chateau Coutet. Barsac is among the best dessert wines in the world. In Barsac, wine growers have the choice to market their wine under the Barsac AOC or Sauternes AOC. It means that all Barsac wines could also be Sauternes wines while Sauternes wines cannot wear Barsac on their label. Barsac is maybe a little bit less liquorous and more fruity than Sauternes.
PREMIERES COTES DE BORDEAUX
Name
Appellation Premières Côtes de Bordeaux Controlée
Location
Right bank of Garonne, from Saint Maixant and Cadillac to the city of Bordeaux
Places
Capian, Saint Maixant, Rions, Haux, Quinsac, Langoiran, Cambes, etc
Soil
Limestone, Gravels, Clay
Size
3,300 ha (8,150 acres) (85% red - 15% white)
Production
24 million bottles
Grapes
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Carmenère; White: Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle
Type of Wine
Colorful and strong red wine, Also dry white wine, sweet white wine, clairet, and even sparkling wine
Age
3 to 7 years (red wine)/FONT>
Vintages
2005, 2003, 2000
Aromas
Red fruits, Black fruits, Spices
Food
Red meat, Beefsteak
Cheese
White: Cheddar
Overlooking the Garonne river, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux starts South of Bordeaux city to Cadillac. Premières Côtes de Bordeaux is more and more a red wine appellation although all kind of wines are produced there. The best dry white wine are sold under the Bordeaux AOC label. The best sweet wine under the Cadillac appellation. The red wines of Premières Côtes de Bordeaux are colorful and strong. Some of them are excellent.
Red: 400 million bottles; White: 75 million bottles
Grapes
Red wine: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, Carmenère, Petit Verdot; White wine: Sauvignon, Sémillon, Muscadelle and Ugni blanc, Colombard, Merlot blanc, Mauzac, Ondenc
Type of Wine
Well-balanced red wine to drink young, Nervous and fruity dry white wine, Fresh and fruity rosé wine
Age
2 to 5 years
Vintages
Red: 2005, 2003; White: 2006, 2003
Aromas
Red fruits, Vanilla, Grilled Bread
Food
Red: Red meat, Paté; White: Onion tart, Mussels
Cheese
Red: Emmental; White: Boursin, Roquefort, Tomme de Savoie, Valencay
The Bordeaux AOC appellation alone counts for about 25% of the total AOC wine production in France. Bordeaux AOC wines are coming from everywhere in the Bordeaux wine region. The appellation roughly covers Gironde department. The quality of both red and white wine depends very much on the wine maker talent and on the quality of the grapes. It means that the quality varies from very disappointing wines to excellent bargain chateaux. The Bordeaux supérieur appellation grow on the same soils. Red wines may have a higher quality and can age better.
ENTRE DEUX MERS
Name
Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers Controlée
Location
Between 2 rivers (and not seas !): Dordogne and Garonne
Places
Grézillac, Naujan, Soussac, etc
Soil
Compact sands, Silt, Clayey-limestone
Size
2,400 ha (6,000 acres)
Production
15 million bottles
Grapes
Sauvignon and Sémillon, Muscadelle
Type of Wine
Fresh and fruity dry white wine
Age
1 to 3 years (Drink young)
Vintages
2005
Aromas
Grapefruit, Litchi, Peach
Food
Oysters (recommended), Shellfish, Asparagus, Avocado, Frog legs, Sole Meunière
Cheese
Roquefort
Entre Deux Mers is not exactly between two seas but actually between two rivers: Dordogne and Garonne. Entre-Deux-Mers produce a very good dry white wine. Wine makers prefer to keep their best grapes for Entre-Deux-Mers instead of Bordeaux AOC. However because of the compact soil, this is not the best place to grow vines in Bordeaux.
Côtes wine region
SAINT EMILION
Name
Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé
Appellation Saint Emilion Grand Cru Controlée, Appellation Saint Emilion Controlée
Location
Dordogne valley
Places
Saint Emilion and 8 villages around
Soil
Limestone, Clayey-limestone, Gravels (in Cheval Blanc)
Size
5,500 ha (13,600 acres)
Production
36 million bottles
Grapes
Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Type of Wine
Full-body red wine
Age
Saint-Emilion AOC: 3 to 8 years; Saint-Emilion Grand Cru: 5 to 12 years; Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé: 15 to 25 years and more
Cantal, Comté, Ossau-Iraty, Reblochon, Tomme de Savoie
Saint-Emilion is the oldest wine area of the Bordeaux region. The UNESCO organization recognized the great terroir of Saint Emilion and put the site on the World Heritage List (see Dec 2, 1999 report). Saint Emilion wines are considered the most robust of the Bordeaux. They are generous, very colored, and reach their maturity quicker than other red Bordeaux. The classification in St-Emilion is complex. Do not confuse St.-Emilion-Grand-Cru and St.-Emilion-Grand-Cru-Classé fewer and much better.
COTES DE CASTILLON
Name
Appellation Côtes de Castillon Controlée (since 1989)
Location
Right bank of the Dordogne river
Places
St Magne de Castillon, Castillon la Batille and 7 other villages
This recent appellation is rising. Côtes de Castillon gives an excellent price/quality ratio as new wine makers are settling down to make among the most interesting wines in the Bordeaux region today. All wines from Côtes de Castillon may also carry the regional appellations of "Bordeaux" or "Bordeaux supérieur".
COTES DE FRANCS
Name
Appellation Côtes de Francs Controlée
Location
10km east of St Emilion (On one of the highest points in Bordeaux)
Places
Francs, Saint Cibard, Tayac
Soil
Clayey-limestone
Size
490 ha (1,200 acres)
Production
3.6 million bottles (Almost 100% red wine)
Grapes
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Type of Wine
Full flavored red wine
Age
4 to 8 years
Vintages
2005, 2003, 2000
Aromas
Black currant, Licorice
Food
Red meat
Cheese
Cantal, Salers
Close to Saint Emilion and Côtes de Castillon, Côtes de Francs is one of the highest vineyard in Bordeaux. Côtes de Francs takes advantage of the lowest rain in the area and a soil rich in clay and limestone. Côtes de Francs is a full-flavored red wine.
POMEROL
Name
Appellation Pomerol Controlée
Location
Along the Isle river
Places
Pomerol, Libourne, etc
Soil
Very diverse from gravels to clay (in Pétrus)
Size
800 ha (less than 2,000 acres)
Production
5.3 million bottles
Grapes
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec
Type of Wine
Full-body red wine, Strong bouquet
Age
More than 10 years and up to 20 years (15 years is the optimum for a Pomerol)
Vintages
2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995, 1990, 1989
Aromas
Well-ripen red fruits, Licorice, Dried fruits
Food
Game, Partridge, Veal, Roasted turkey, Pears in wine
With 800 ha (less than 2,000 acres) Pomerol is the smallest wine producing area in the Bordeaux region. Actually, Pomerol is more a community where the vineyards are family-shared. A ranking is not warmly welcome. You will not find typical huge Bordeaux chateaux as in the Médoc area. However Pomerol hosts one of the most famous of all: Pétrus. The Pomerol wine can be more robust than others in Bordeaux. They have an exclusive velvety quality. Pomerol is at its very best when the bottle reaches the age of 15!
FRONSAC
Name
Appellation Fronsac Controlée, Appellation Canon-Fronsac Controlée (from Fronsac and Saint Michel de Fronsac villages only)
Location
Hills along Dordogne and l'Isle rivers
Places
Fronsac, St Michel de Fronsac, Saillans, etc
Soil
Clay / Limestone
Size
1,200 ha (3,000 acres)
Production
6 million bottles (Canon-Fronsac: 2 million bottles)
Fronsac wine region is a lovely area of hills along the Dordogne and l'Isle rivers, west of Saint Émilion. Until the 19th centuries, Fronsac wine was one of the most popular in the region. Merlot is the most important grape giving to the wine body and richness although the wine keeps a strong personality.
COTES DE BOURG
Name
Appellation Côtes de Bourg Controlée
Location
30 Km (19 miles) north of Bordeaux, where Gironde and Dordogne meet
Places
Bourg sur Gironde, Lansac, Tauriac, Teuillac, etc.
Medium-body tannic red wine (Limited production of dry white wine)
Age
2 to 5 years
Vintages
2005, 2003
Aromas
Red fruits
Food
Grilled red meat, Veal, Turkey
Sausage, Paté
Cheese
Comté, Laguiole, Morbier, Reblochon
Côtes de Bourg is located on the right bank of the Dordogne at the point where it meets the Gironde river. South of Blaye, the small appellation around the village of Bourg produces a better medium-body red wine than its neighbor. The wine from Côtes de Bourg is quite tannic with strong aromas of red fruits.
Location: In the south west of France, near the Atlantic coast, around the city of Bordeaux
In this region, there are the distinctive local soils, beginning with the most famous, the gravels which have given their name to Graves and which are present throughout on the left bank of the Garonne and in the Libourne region (in Pomerol and part of Saint Emilion). These provide ideal soil conditions for vines as they encourage deep root penetration and a well regulated intake of water. Limestone and clay/limestone soils on sites in Saint Emilion, Sauternes and the Cotes also have specific characteristics. Finally, there are areas of molasse sandstone, boulbenes (stoney silt/clay) and recent alluvial deposits. The latter are typical of soils alongside rivers and are known in the Gironde area as palus (from the Latin for 'marsh').