Bordeaux - Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the backbone of most Left Bank Bordeaux wines, known for its bold structure, high tannins, and deep flavors of black currant, cedar, and tobacco. It is typically blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot to create balanced and age-worthy wines. The gravelly soils of the Médoc are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, giving the wines their renowned complexity and longevity. This varietal is most prominent in appellations like Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Margaux.
Merlot
Merlot is the dominant grape variety in Right Bank Bordeaux wines, particularly in the regions of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. Known for its softer tannins, lush fruit, and velvety texture, Merlot produces wines that are more approachable at a young age compared to the more structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot’s flavor profile includes plum, blackberry, and chocolate notes, with a smooth finish that appeals to a wide range of palates. Château Pétrus, one of the world’s most iconic wines, is primarily Merlot.
Sauternes
Sauternes is a sweet wine produced in the southern part of Bordeaux, particularly in the Sauternes and Barsac appellations. These wines are made from a blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which concentrates the sugars and flavors. Sauternes is renowned for its luscious texture, vibrant acidity, and complex flavors of apricot, honey, and candied citrus. Château d’Yquem is the most famous producer of Sauternes, consistently crafting wines that can age for decades.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is often used as a blending grape in Bordeaux, particularly in the Right Bank regions of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. It adds aromatic complexity, fresh acidity, and herbal notes to the blend, complementing the richer Merlot and more structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc typically offers flavors of red berries, violet, and green pepper, with lighter tannins compared to its counterparts. In some Right Bank wines, such as those from Château Cheval Blanc, Cabernet Franc plays a more prominent role in the blend.
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a minor blending grape in Bordeaux, primarily used in small quantities to add depth, color, and tannic structure to the blend. It thrives in the warmest vintages, contributing intense flavors of black fruit, spice, and floral notes. While it is rarely used as a standalone varietal in Bordeaux, Petit Verdot plays a key role in enhancing the complexity and aging potential of the region’s red blends. It is often found in wines from the Médoc and Graves regions.