The Bordeaux wine region, located in the southwest of France, is world famous for its exceptional vineyards. Bordered by the Garonne, the region offers a diversity of terroirs conducive to the production of internationally renowned wines. The vineyards of Bordeaux are divided into three large distinct areas: the left bank, the right bank and the Entre-Deux-Mers. Discover with us the treasures of each terroir.
The Left Bank Vineyards: The Majesty of the Grands Crus
Médoc: Mecca of Grands Crus Classés
The Médoc is a world famous wine region. It is here that some of the most prestigious and sought-after Grands Crus Classés in the world are found. The wines produced in this region are known for their elegance, structure and exceptional aging potential.
Médoc wine estates, such as Château Margaux and Château Lafite-Rothschild, are symbols of winemaking excellence. We thus find a unique terroir. Gravelly soils, combined with a favorable climate, give the grapes an exceptional expression. Médoc wines, mainly made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, are distinguished by their complex aromas of black fruits, their fine tannins and, finally, their length in the mouth.
The tasting experience in the Médoc is a real sensory journey. Each wine tells a story, and thus reveals the characteristics of its vintage, its terroir and the winemaker’s know-how.
Graves and Pessac-Léognan: Balance and Elegance
The wines produced in this region are above all renowned for their balance and elegance. The soils of Graves, which are composed of gravel and pebbles, allow the wines to possess a distinctive minerality.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot express themselves fully on this particular terroir, which allows them to reveal all their characteristics. Thus, the red wines of the Graves are distinguished by their aromas of red and black fruits, their supple tannins and their length in the mouth. As for the white wines, made mainly from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety, they offer notes of citrus fruits, exotic fruits and a pleasant freshness.
Renowned wine estates such as Château Haut-Brion and Château Smith Haut Lafitte are references in the Graves region.
In addition, the Graves region offers picturesque landscapes, with vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. It is a real wine treasure to explore. Finally, the balanced and elegant wines produced there will seduce the most demanding wine lovers.
Sauternes and Barsac: Liquid Gold
The Sauternes region, located on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, is renowned for its exceptional sweet wines. These golden wines offer a unique and captivating taste experience.
Sauternes wines are made from botrytised grapes, which are grapes affected by noble rot. This natural process gives wines an incomparable richness and aromatic complexity.
The aromas of Sauternes wines are dominated by notes of honey, apricot and candied fruit. Subsequently, on the palate, they reveal themselves to be soft, unctuous and balanced, with a refreshing acidity that counterbalances their richness.
Château d’Yquem, Premier Cru Supérieur, is the jewel of the Sauternes appellation. It embodies excellence and perfection in the production of sweet wines. Therefore, a tasting of this exceptional wine is an unforgettable experience for any wine lover.
The Right Bank Vineyards: Elegance and Generosity
Saint-Émilion: Land of Prestige and History
The Saint-Émilion region, located on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, is an essential reference for wine lovers. This renowned appellation offers a variety of elegant and complex red wines.
The wines of this region are mainly made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. They thrive on clay-limestone soils. The latter will thus bring finesse and structure to the wines.
They are distinguished in particular by their aromas of ripe red fruits, their spicy notes and their suppleness in the mouth. They thus offer a rich and balanced aromatic palette thanks to silky tannins.
These wines develop additional complexity and elegance over the years, offering an exceptional taste experience when tasted at maturity. They are therefore wines recognized for their aging potential over many years.
Pomerol: Small Vineyards, Great Wines
The Pomerol region is renowned for its elegant and powerful red wines. This prestigious appellation of the Bordeaux vineyards offers a wine experience rich in flavors and character.
Pomerol wines are mainly made from the Merlot grape variety. The clayey-sandy soils give the wines a remarkable tannic structure and a unique aromatic complexity.
They are thus distinguished by their intense aromas of black fruits, their spicy notes and their great concentration. On the palate, they reveal a velvety texture and a captivating length that will testify to the excellence of this appellation.
The emblematic castles of Pomerol, such as Pétrus and Le Pin, are known throughout the world for producing exceptional wines. It should be noted that their expertise and their commitment to quality are the guarantors of Pomerol’s reputation.
Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac: The Art of Conviviality
This appellation, less known than its prestigious neighbors, nevertheless offers red wines of exceptional quality.
Fronsac wines are made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Their carefully balanced assembly gives the wines a harmonious structure and complex aromas.
They are thus distinguished by their aromas of ripe red fruits, their spicy notes and their supple tannins. They will then offer a pleasant tasting, with a nice freshness and an appreciable length in the mouth.
The châteaux of Fronsac, such as Château Canon-Fronsac and Château La Dauphine, produce high quality wines and are true ambassadors of the appellation. Their commitment to excellence and their know-how guarantee a unique wine experience.
Côtes de Bourg and Côtes de Blaye: Authenticity on the banks of the Garonne
The Côtes de Bourg region, located on the right bank of Bordeaux, is a wine appellation full of charm. Known for its generous and expressive red wines, it offers a unique taste experience.
Côtes de Bourg wines are made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec grapes. Thanks to the influence of the terroir, they reveal complex aromas of red fruits, spicy notes and a beautiful tannic structure.
These wines stand out for their elegance and balance. By tasting these wines, you will discover a rich aromatic palette, ranging from ripe fruit to nuances of undergrowth, passing through touches of vanilla and liquorice.
The Côtes de Bourg estates, such as Château Tayac or Château Fougas, testify to the know-how of the region’s winegrowers.
Entre-Deux-Mers: Harmony between Two Shores
Located between the left bank and the right bank, the Entre-Deux-Mers region is the cradle of the dry white wines of Bordeaux. Thus, the Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle grape varieties flourish on these favorable lands. The white wines of Entre-Deux-Mers are characterized in particular by their freshness, their vivacity and their delicate aromas. Finally, the notes of citrus fruits, white flowers and exotic fruits mingle in these light and refreshing wines.
When tasted, these white wines go wonderfully with seafood, fish and fresh goat’s cheese. Entre-Deux-Mers also offers light and fruity red wines, ideal for convivial moments and summer meals.
The Bordeaux vineyard
The vineyards of Bordeaux, whether on the left bank, the right bank or the Entre-Deux-Mers, constitute an exceptional wine heritage. Thus, each terroir brings its specificity and its know-how to the palette of Bordeaux wines. Passionate winegrowers take particular care to preserve the quality and authenticity of these wines, while innovating to meet consumer expectations.
Find out more
After discovering all the Bordeaux vineyards, find out more about the 1855 classification of the greatest Bordeaux appellations.
