Wineries around the world aspire to make Bordeaux-style wines

What is Bordeaux wine?

Bordeaux (“Bore-doe”) refers to a wine from Bordeaux, France. More than 90% of Bordeaux wines are red wines made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec

Bordeaux is one of the most important wine regions in France. The Dutch drained the Medoc marshes in the 17th century. The climate is as humid as it was when the land was covered in swamps instead of vineyards, leading to a variety of problems, including rot and mildew.

Bordeaux Red Primary Flavors: Black Currant, Plum, Graphite, Cedar, Violet.

Bordeaux reds are medium to full bodied with bold aromas of blackcurrant and plum. Depending on the region the Bordeaux wine comes from, fruit flavors range from more tart fruit to sweeter ripe fruit.

As with red wines, white wines from Bordeaux are usually blends of Sémillion and a smaller proportion of Sauvignon blanc. Other permitted grape varieties are Sauvignon gris, Ugni blanc, Colombard, Merlot blanc, Ondenc and Mauzac.

Here’s what you should know about serving this wine:

It is best served slightly below room temperature (about 65°F / 18°C).

It is always a great idea to decant red Bordeaux wines.

Store Bordeaux and all of its red wines below 65°F / 18°C.

A decent vintage and solid producer (around $25+) will easily age for 15 years.

Pairing with Bordeaux wine

Meat:

Black pepper steak, roast pork, filet mignon, beef brisket, buffalo burgers, chicken liver, roast beef, venison, duck, goose, dark meat turkey

Cheese:

Basque Cheeses, Swiss Cheese, White Cheddar, Provolone, Pepper Jack

Herb/Spices:

Black Pepper, White Pepper, Oregano, Rosemary, Mustard Seed, Cumin, Coriander Seed

vegetable:

Roasted Potatoes, Lentils, Mushrooms, Onion, Chives, Green Bean Casserole, Chestnuts

Climate and geography

The main reason for the success of winemaking in the Bordeaux region is an excellent environment for growing vines.

In Bordeaux, the concept of terroir plays a role in wine production with top estates looking to make terroir-driven wines that reflect where they come from, often from grapes harvested from a single vineyard. Remember that the right bank is dominated by Merlot and the left bank is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bordeaux

Buying Bordeaux can be an intimidating experience. French wine labels avoid grapes and focus on geography.

Bordeaux has dominated the wine world for three centuries and will continue to influence consumer trends and the future of wines for years to come.