Knowledge & Concrete Recommendations for Your "Learning by Drinking 'Must-Drink' List"
Welcome to a fascinating journey into the renowned Bordeaux wine region!
In this article, we would like to introduce you to the unique grape varieties that make this region (and its wines) a true gem in the world of wine, and which every wine enthusiast should definitely try on their way to becoming a connoisseur.
Why is the Bordeaux Wine Region So Famous?
The fame of the Bordeaux wine region in France is based on a long historical tradition of winemaking, the production of a wide range of quality wines, and the global distribution of these wines. Bordeaux is famous for its prestigious châteaus and Grand Cru Classé wines, highly rated in the 1855 classification and coveted by wine lovers around the world. The region also attracts wine tourists who want to explore the picturesque vineyards and wineries and experience wine production.
Quality Wines: Bordeaux produces some of the most prestigious quality wines in the world. The region is renowned for its Grand Cru Classé wines, especially from areas like Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, and Graves. These wines are among the most expensive and sought-after on the market, known for their high quality and aging potential.
Bordeaux Classifications: The 1855 Bordeaux classification, which ranked wineries based on their quality into various categories, contributed to the creation of a hierarchy in Bordeaux and drew attention to the best châteaus. The Premier Cru wineries from this classification are particularly well-known.
Shaping the Label 'Bordeaux Cuvée' & Diversity in Wine Production: Bordeaux is known for producing a wide range of wine styles, both red and white. The region offers a variety of grape varieties, terroirs, and appellations (designations of origin) that allow for a wide range of flavor profiles. This has led Bordeaux wines to be suitable for different preferences and occasions.
Additionally, the region's tradition of producing cuvées based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (although there are 13 other approved grape varieties) has led to international cuvées being labeled as 'Bordeaux Cuvée' when these two varieties make up the majority. In real wine life, this often means that cuvées, depending on the country, are blended with a regional or indigenous (also known as autochthonous) grape variety with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
In Italy, this is often Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and possibly other typical Bordeaux grape varieties. In Spain, it's Tempranillo, in Austria, Blaufränkisch is preferred, in Croatia, Teran, and many more - always in a cuvée with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and often Cabernet Franc or Syrah and other typical Bordeaux grape varieties.
But What Is a Bordeaux Cuvée, and Why Is It So Well-Known Worldwide?
A Bordeaux cuvée (French: cuvée bordelaise) is a wine made from a blend of different grape varieties and originating from the Bordeaux region in France. Bordeaux wines are often cuvées, meaning they consist of a combination of grape varieties rather than being exclusively made from a single variety. The exact composition of a Bordeaux cuvée can vary, but it often includes a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, with the latter grape variety playing a minor role.
It is important to note this because few regions worldwide are as renowned for producing cuvées as Bordeaux. Bordeaux is a region with a diverse climate that is expressed in numerous facets. Due to historically unstable harvest conditions caused by climate variations, it was common in Bordeaux to plant a variety of grape varieties in different locations. These grape varieties had varying requirements for factors such as rainfall, temperature, and soil. This allowed winemakers to adapt to crop failures in specific vineyards by relying on other vineyards with more suitable grape varieties.
What is truly important in a Bordeaux cuvée are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Depending on the part of the region you are in, one of these two grape varieties dominates the cuvée. Therefore, you can distinguish not only by words and designations but also by taste between "Left Bank" and "Right Bank" Bordeaux. By "bank," we refer to the side of the river, as the region is divided by the Garonne River, which categorizes the wine styles into Left Bank and Right Bank. On the Left Bank, in the wine regions on the left side of the Gironde, Cabernet Sauvignon takes center stage, while all other grape varieties play a secondary role. On the Right Bank, Merlot is the main variety, with the other grape varieties also having a subordinate significance.
We will explore how these grape varieties express themselves in this region, making it easy to understand why the first question when ordering Bordeaux is often: "In terms of style, do you prefer the Left Bank or the Right Bank?" because this directly relates to which grape variety and flavor should take precedence.
Tasting Notes: The Charm of Bordeaux's Key Grape Varietie
Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is undoubtedly one of the stars among Bordeaux wines. It stands out with its deep red color, robust tannins, and complex aromas of black currants, cassis, and subtle notes of cedarwood. In its early years, this wine can have fairly pronounced tannins that create a slight dry sensation in the mouth. However, over time, these tannins become finer and smoother. This gives these wines an impressive longevity. Imagine a wine that is intensely flavorful in its youth, with this richness gradually decreasing over the years. For robust wines, this results in extended aging, meaning they continue to taste intense, well-structured, and "vibrant." Some of the best Bordeaux wines in which Cabernet Sauvignon takes the lead include those from Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Margaux.
Merlot: Another key grape variety in Bordeaux is Merlot. It is characterized by its soft, supple character and a wealth of flavors, including ripe plums, black cherries, and spices. Merlot is globally popular due to its accessibility but has faced biases in some countries due to its straightforward and cost-effective production.
Merlot brings pleasant fruitiness, gentle tannins, and a truly easy-drinking quality to Bordeaux wines. In the best vineyards and under ideal conditions, Merlot combines light to medium tannins with an unmatched creaminess and suppleness. This makes these wines "velvety" while retaining a robust, fruity taste of truly ripe red berries and plums.
During aging and maturation, these wines develop a natural hint of fresh tobacco leaves and cedarwood. In the best growing areas like Pomerol, a slight spicy nuance is added - not sharp, but mildly spicy and piquant. The balanced combination of these contrasting flavors, which suddenly harmonize, gives these wines an impressive wow factor and, unfortunately, a correspondingly high price.
Cabernet Franc: As a close relative of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc shares many similar characteristics but also brings a unique personality. This grape variety presents a fruity profile with red berries, herbs, and floral nuances. Cabernet Franc thrives best in regions where Cabernet Sauvignon is also grown. In terms of taste, this variety is often characterized by a "green" or "vegetal" character reminiscent of tomato vines or green herbal notes, perhaps even slightly grassy. These aromas are reminiscent of the scent that arises when breaking a plant stem or plucking fresh leaves.
Under optimal conditions and sufficient ripeness, Cabernet Franc develops special floral notes reminiscent of flowers and blossoms, such as violets. Due to its intense color and berry aromas, Cabernet Franc, although in smaller quantities, contributes to a Bordeaux cuvée.
Enthusiastic about the various flavor nuances and possibilities?
Discover the fascinating world of red wines and their diverse flavor profiles in our wine course "Red Wine Connoisseur." If you were excited about the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grape varieties in our previous text, this course is perfect for you.
Here, you have the unique opportunity to get to know, taste, and explore these important grape varieties. Each grape variety has its own distinctive characteristics, and when combined with others, it creates entirely new taste experiences. Our course focuses specifically on red wines and their flavor nuances, exploring the influences of individual grape varieties as well as famous cuvées from around the world, such as the Bordeaux cuvée. Dive into the world of red wine and expand your wine knowledge in our "Red Wine Connoisseur" course.
Conclusion
The Bordeaux wine region is distinguished by its long winemaking tradition, quality wines, and the famous 1855 Bordeaux classification. Bordeaux offers a wide variety of wine styles and grape varieties suitable for different preferences. Notably, the grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc each offer unique flavor profiles.
If you wish to explore the fascinating world of Bordeaux wines, we offer you the opportunity to get to know these grape varieties, taste them, and delve into their nuances in our "Red Wine Connoisseur" course. Immerse yourself in the world of red wine and discover its diverse flavor facets.
