Bordeaux AOC
Bordeaux AOC wines are made mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon, whose tannins are balanced by the fruity and silky texture of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.Bordeaux Superieur
Bordeaux Superieur AOC wines are produced from selected vineyard plots and older vines. As a result, these red wines are generally more complex and have a better ageing potential (must be aged for a minimum of 12 months) than Bordeaux AOC wines. Red Bordeaux Superieur wines are made from the same varieties as Bordeaux AOC wines, however this AOC has even stricter production norms than the Bordeaux AOC.Bordeaux Clairet
Bordeaux Clairet AOC wines are made from blends of the same grape varieties as red Bordeaux AOC wines, wherein Merlot often dominates. With little tannin, these wines are fresh, light, silky and easy to drink and subject to the same quality constraints during production as other Bordeaux AOC wines.Bordeaux Rose
Bordeaux Rose is a regional appellation which stretches over the whole Gironde production area. Combining freshness and aromatic richness, Bordeaux Roses are perfect with all types of food, notably light Summer meals and exotic dishes and are best drunk within 1-2 years.
Grape Varieties
Grapes
Red Bordeaux wines are blended together from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes.Left Bank
The “Left Bank” is south of the Garonne and Gironde Rivers that flow through Bordeaux, comprising the wine regions of the Médoc, Pessac-Léognan and Graves, with the vineyards on this side dominated by the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, which thrives on the gravelly soils left by the ancient course of the river. This is a thick skinned variety which ripens late, producing powerful, tannic wines capable of long ageing. The highlights of the Médoc are the four communes of St Estèphe (blackcurrant concentration); classical, cedarwood and cigar-box Pauillac; richly fruited St Julien; and elegant, fragrant Margaux.Right Bank
The “Right Bank” is north of the Dordogne and Gironde Rivers that flow through Bordeaux and encompasses the famous St Emilion and Pomerol regions. It is here the fleshy Merlot grape predominates, sometimes supported by cabernet franc, creating wines that tend to have more restrained tannins. Here the soils are more mixed, with gravel and clay underpinning the rich, fruity wines of Pomerol. Styles vary more in St Emilion, depending on the predominance of sand in the lower lying slopes, or limestone on the hillsides and plateau.
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes are all used to blend fine Bordeaux wines.
Left Bank
Including the wine regions of the Médoc, Pessac-Léognan and Graves.
Right Bank
Encompassing the famous St Emilion and Pomerol regions.