Bordeaux is a region of such tremendous diversity in geography,
soil, weather, and winemaking tradition that it produces
a myriad of wines, each with a unique character. It is
nonetheless easy to become familiar with the basics of
Bordeaux because the 57 Bordeaux appellations are commonly
divided into six families of wine: four red and two white.
Each family shares characteristics which result from
similar growing conditions and from the regulated blends
used in production. Read this concise summary of the
kinds of Bordeaux wines and the more commonly available
appellations in each category, and you're on your way
to becoming a true connoisseur.
Red Wine Families
Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur
These can offer the best value and are no less drinkable
than the most distinguished Bordeaux wines. They are balanced
and bracing but light with a delicate nose and are meant
to be drunk young. Rosé and clairet wines also fall
into this family, but only receive the most general appellation,
Bordeaux.
Côtes de Bordeaux
The various côtes appellations of the Bordeaux region
are light- to medium-bodied wines with a fine bouquet and
color. These fresh wines mature quickly. Some of the Côtes
are Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, Premières
Côtes de Blaye, Côtes de Bourg, Côtes de
Castillon, and Côtes de Francs.
Libournais
The Libournais vineyards include the prestigious Saint-Èmilion
and Pomerol wine-producing districts. Situated on the eastern,
or right, bank of the Gironde River, the soil is particularly
suited for growing grapes from which the popular Merlot wines
are produced. Libournais wines are softer and fruitier than
Médoc and Graves wines. They are medium-to full-bodied
and can be enjoyed young, but the best appellations should
be aged to bring out their full complexity and distinct qualities.
Other appellations include Saint-Èmilion Grand Cru,
and the satelite appellations of Montagne-Saint-Èmilion,
Lussac-Saint-Èmilion, Puisseguin-Saint-Èmilion,
Saint-Georges-Saint-Èmilion, Lalande-de-Pomerol, Fronsac,
and Canon-Fronsac.
Médoc and Graves
Médoc (on the western, or left, bank of the Gironde
estuary) and Graves (south of the city of Bordeaux) are renowned
for the most prestigious châteaux where some of the
best and most age-worthy wines in the world are produced.
The dominant grape here is Cabernet Sauvignon and in general
the wines merit long aging to enhance the rich and complex
flavors. Other appellations include Haut-Médoc, Saint-Estèphe,
Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Listrac, Moulis, Margaux, and Pessac-Léognan.
White Wine Families
Dry White Wines
Elegance best defines the dry white wines of Bordeaux.
They basically fall into two styles, light and delicate with
a crisp bouquet, or fuller bodied and aged in oak. Other
appellations include Bordeaux, Graves, Entre-Deux-Mers, Côtes
de Blaye, Premières Côtes de Blaye, Côtes
de Bourg, Côtes de Francs, and Pessac-Lèognan.
Sweet White Wines
Sweet white wines come with both medium and full bodied
and are produced with a majority of the Sémillon grape,
a variety particularly susceptible to noble rot. The most
famous of Bordeaux's sweet white wine producing regions is
Sauternes whose classified châteaux produce luscious
wines worthy of aging to bring out their intense flavor.
Other appellations include Barsac, Loupiac, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont,
Cadillac, and Cèrons.
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