Bordeaux AOC

Wine Production

Bordeaux is the largest region for winemaking in France, making up 14% of the country’s total vineyard area. The Garonne and Dordogne rivers run through the region and converge into the Gironde Estuary. The Gironde flows out into the Atlantic Ocean. Given the proximity to the ocean, the region has a maritime climate with warm summers and cool winters.

The Garonne and Dordogne rivers divide Bordeaux into what are known as the Left Bank and the Right Bank. Left Bank Bordeaux is south of the Garonne river with a flat terroir and gravel topsoil covering limestone. The most well-known appellations within the region are St-Estèphe, Pauillac, St-Julien, and Margaux. The wines are generally Cabernet Sauvignon dominant.

Right Bank Bordeaux is north of the Dordogne river with a terroir of limestone and clay. Pomerol and St-Émilion are the most well-known appellations. Most wines are Merlot dominant in this region. Nearly half of wines produced in Bordeaux are from the all-encompassing Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur appellations.

Wine Style

The majority of Bordeaux AOC wines are red, however still rosé, Clairet, white, and sparkling wines are also protected by their own AOCs in the region.

Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur reds are made of a distinct blend of red grape varieties, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Carménère. Oak aging is quite common which offers complexity to the wine, with aging minimum requirements of 9 months for Bordeaux Supérieur wines. On the nose, typical aromas are red berries, black current, and violet for Bordeaux AOC reds. In addition to these tasting notes, Bordeaux Supérieur reds also express notes of cedar and liquorice, as a result of greater oak aging time. Bordeaux rosé wines are often a blend of the aforementioned red grape varieties with aromas of strawberry and grapefruit. Bordeaux Clairet wines are darker rosé wines with notes of strawberry and rose petals.

Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur dry and sweet white wines are made of a blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle grapes. They can be blended with a select few additional permitted grape varieties. Bordeaux Supérieur white wines must age for 6 months before release. Bordeaux dry white wines express aromas of lemon and white flowers. Bordeaux sweet white wines have notes of citrus, yellow flowers, and tropical fruit. Bordeaux Supérieur white wines showcase more concentrated flavours and aromas as a result of aging time. Crémant de Bordeaux wines are traditional method sparkling wines that see a minimum of 9 months aging on the lees. The dry sparkling whites are fresh with notes of citrus and hazelnut. Sparkling rosés express gooseberry on the nose.

Grape Varieties 

Bordeaux’s red grape varieties in order of plantings from highest to lowest are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Carménère. Bordeaux winemakers are known for blending grape varieties that complement each other to create well-balanced wines.

Bordeaux rosés tend to be made up of a blend of the aforementioned Bordeaux red grape varieties. Clairet wines are made up of blends of the permitted red grape varieties as well. They exhibit a darker pink colour, similar to a light red wine, and are a little more aromatic than rosés.

The Bordeaux white grape varieties in order of plantings are Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. These are often blended as well. Crémant de Bordeaux sparkling white wines are made up of Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon. Crémant de Bordeaux sparkling rosé wines are made of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Merlot grapes.

Buy Bordeaux AOC Wine from Hourlier Wines

We at Pierre Hourlier Wines are proud to showcase a wide range of Bordeaux AOC producers. Peruse through our selection of still red, rosé, and white wines from various Chateaux.

Chateau de Bonhoste Red

This Merlot dominant blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc has notes of red fruits, vanilla, and game. It’s a lovely pairing with veal and cheese.

FAQ

How many AOC’s are in Bordeaux?

The 8 broad Bordeaux appellations are Bordeaux Rouge, Bordeaux Supérieur Rouge, Bordeaux Clairet, Bordeaux Rosé, Bordeaux Blanc, Bordeaux Supérieur Blanc, Crémant de Bordeaux Blanc, and Crémant de Bordeaux Rosé.

What is the best quality Bordeaux AOC?

The highest quality Bordeaux AOCs are the Bordeaux Supérieur Rouge and Blanc AOCs along with the Crémant de Bordeaux Blanc and Rosé AOCs. Bordeaux Supérieur wines are produced in smaller quantities with grapes from a smaller selection of vineyards. These wines also have aging requirements which often translates to a higher quality final product. The Crémant de Bordeaux AOCs are also high in quality as they are sparkling wines produced in the traditional method, with minimum aging requirements on the lees.

Which food groups pair well with Bordeaux AOC wine?

Bordeaux red blends offer many red and black fruit aromas on the nose with non-fruit characteristics of vanilla, violet, and liquorice which make them great pairings for beef, game, pork, veal, and cheeses. The rosés are often red berry driven and excellent with salads and lighter fare. Bordeaux white wines are generally citrus-forward, floral, and mildly vegetal, and are lovely with fish, duck, salads, and light dishes.