A Wine Cellar guide to Bordeaux wines

Bordeaux

Old World | Moderate maritime climate

Bordeaux is arguably the most important wine-producing region on the planet and makes some of the world’s most sought-after fine wines. The region has a moderate maritime climate, with fewer variations in temperature than continental climates. The humidity and mists associated with a maritime climate can make fruit susceptible to rot, however these conditions are favourable if winemakers wish to produce the sweet botrytised wines of Sauternes. Bordeaux’s soils largely consist of gravel with clay and limestone.

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Permitted white varieties

Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris

Permitted red varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Carménère (which has become extremely rare)

Our recommendations

Did you know?

Bordeaux has a viticultural area four times the size of Burgundy. It is divided into 57 appellations and is home to more than 10,000 producers.

Château Guiraud

Léoville-Las Cases

The wines of Bordeaux

The wines of Bordeaux are ranked according to the reputation of individual châteaux. The most well-known Bordeaux classification is that of 1855, which placed châteaux on the left bank of the Gironde River into five tiers.


The most highly-ranked wines in this classification are Château Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Haut-Brion, Margaux and Mouton Rothschild (which was promoted in 1975). Whilst the towering prices of these wines often reflect their ranking and renown, there is plenty of value to be found in the lower ranks of Bordeaux.

Did you know?

Pinotage is a South African-born variety. It was created in the 1920s by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut and has given rise to the Cape Blend, which is generally made from Bordeaux varieties along with a small percentage of Pinotage.

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