A Rich Heritage: Discover Bordeaux

Bordeaux, the epitome of fine wine and rich history, is more than just a region in France—it's a world-renowned symbol of excellence in winemaking. From muddy marshlands to celebrated wine region, it’s a story of rags to riches that has transformed the global wine landscape, with commerce and trade playing an equal part to the vines themselves. Let’s delve into the captivating history of Bordeaux, explore the primary grape varieties, decode the classification system, and explain the significance of the Left Bank and Right Bank.

A Brief History of Bordeaux

Bordeaux's winemaking heritage dates back to the Roman era, around the 1st century AD, when the first vines were planted. However, it wasn't until the 12th century, with the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet (later Henry II of England), that Bordeaux wines gained international prominence. This union facilitated the export of Bordeaux wine to England, significantly boosting the region's reputation.

The 17th and 18th centuries saw the emergence of influential wine merchants who further developed Bordeaux's wine trade. The 1855 Exposition Universelle de Paris was a pivotal moment, where Bordeaux wines were officially classified, cementing their status as some of the world's finest.

The Grapes of Bordeaux

Bordeaux is synonymous with blended wines, skillfully combining various grape varieties to create complex and balanced profiles. As with any French wine, it is pivotal to understand the region to identify the grapes you’ll find in your bottles. Here are the key grape varieties grown in Bordeaux:

Red Grapes

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its deep colour, strong tannins, and ageing potential, Cabernet Sauvignon is the backbone of many Bordeaux blends, particularly in the Left Bank.

• Merlot: The most widely planted grape in Bordeaux, Merlot offers softness and fruitiness, making wines approachable and smooth. It dominates in the Right Bank.

• Cabernet Franc: Often used as a blending grape, Cabernet Franc adds aromatic complexity and a spicy note to Bordeaux wines.

• Petit Verdot: Adds colour, tannin, and a spicy characteristic, used in small quantities to enhance the blend.

• Malbec: Contributes deep colour and rich fruit flavours, though it is less common today.

White Grapes

• Sauvignon Blanc: Offers crisp acidity and citrus flavours, a key component in Bordeaux's dry white wines.

• Sémillon: Known for its richness and honeyed notes, Sémillon is essential in the production of sweet wines from Sauternes.

• Muscadelle: Adds floral and grapey notes, often used in both dry and sweet white wines.

Bordeaux Wine Classifications

Bordeaux's wine classification system is designed to highlight the region's finest wines. These classifications are often debated, with some seeing them as outdated and unfair - with some classification processes ending in legal battles!

1855 Classification

Initiated for the 1855 Exposition Universelle de Paris, this classification ranks the top wines of the Médoc region (Left Bank) into five tiers, from Premier Cru (Chateau Latour, Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Haut Brion, and Château Mouton Rothschild), to Cinquième Cru. It also includes one First Growth from Sauternes, Chateau d'Yquem. At the time of the 1855 Classification, the ranking was completed in large part based on the average price of these wines at the time. While there are few who might question the quality of these wines today, many would debate the validity of a price ranking classification based on 1855 pricing.

Saint-Émilion Classification

First introduced in 1955, this classification is revised approximately every ten years. It ranks the wines of Saint-Émilion into Premier Grand Cru Classé A, Premier Grand Cru Classé B, and Grand Cru Classé. This is one of the most controversial of classifications, with many legal challenges to the rankings arising over more recent years.

Cru Bourgeois

This classification, focusing on Médoc wines not included in the 1855 Classification, was officially recognized in 1932. It aims to acknowledge high-quality wines at more accessible prices.

Left Bank vs. Right Bank

Bordeaux is divided by the Gironde Estuary into two distinct areas: the Left Bank and the Right Bank. Each has unique terroirs and wine styles, with wine lovers tending to lean toward one more than the other, generally speaking. Of course, we appreciate both sides of the river equally!

Left Bank

The Left Bank, home to the Médoc and Graves regions, is dominated by gravelly soils that favour Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines here are known for their structure, tannin, and longevity, although the new wave of producers are increasingly focusing on ‘drinkability’ alongside quality. Notable appellations include Pauillac, Margaux, and Saint-Julien.

Right Bank

In contrast, the Right Bank, encompassing regions like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, features clay and limestone soils ideal for Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Wines from the Right Bank are often more approachable at a younger age, although are known age gracefully when cellared correctly.

Bordeaux is more than a wine region— it's a legacy of tradition, excellence, and innovation. Whether you're drawn to the more structured wines of the Left Bank or the elegant Merlot lead profiles of the Right Bank, we invite you to experience the magic of Bordeaux, one glass at a time. Our collection celebrates the diversity and excellence of winemaking tradition at its finest, with a focus on emerging organic and biodynamic producers.