Bordeaux wines
Château Mouton Rothschild2012
Bordeaux, France
$483.32
Château Mouton Rothschild2011
Bordeaux, France
$472.82
Château Lafite Rothschild2013
Bordeaux, France
$588.39
Château Lafite Rothschild2012
Bordeaux, France
$609.41
Château Haut-Brion2019
Bordeaux, France
$346.73
Château Haut-Brion2017
Bordeaux, France
$404.52
Château Margaux2016
Bordeaux, France
$598.90
Château Lafite Rothschild2011
Bordeaux, France
$577.88
Château Margaux2018
Bordeaux, France
$617.81
Château Mouton Rothschild2019
Bordeaux, France
$499.09
Château Margaux2014
Bordeaux, France
$451.80
Château Margaux2017
Bordeaux, France
$446.55
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The best trending Bordeaux wines
Your guide to Bordeaux
History of wines from Bordeaux
The history of Bordeaux wine dates back to Roman times when the first vineyards were planted around 43 AD. The Romans established vineyards to cultivate wine for their soldiers, with the first clear references to Bordeaux as a wine-producing region coming from Pliny the Elder in the second half of the first century AD. The region's location along the Gironde estuary provided an ideal trade route with the British Isles, and it is theorized that the first vine cuttings brought to Bordeaux originated in the Rioja region of Spain.
The popularity of Bordeaux wines increased dramatically in the 12th century following the marriage of Henry Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine. This marriage made the province of Aquitaine English territory, and Bordeaux wine was exported in exchange for other goods. The region's connections to England significantly boosted its wine trade, with large amounts of Gascon or Bordeaux wine being exported to England and Wales. The trade was damaged by the Hundred Years' War but soon recovered.
In the 17th century, Dutch traders drained the marshy Médoc region, making it suitable for grape cultivation. This period saw the emergence of claret as the wine of choice among the nobility and upper middle classes of Britain and other parts of Northern and Western Europe. The 1855 classification system ranked the top châteaux of the Médoc according to their market price, further establishing Bordeaux's reputation for fine wine. The region's wine industry faced significant challenges, including phylloxera infestations, but was rescued by grafting native vines onto pest-resistant American rootstock.
Terroir of Bordeaux
The terroir of Bordeaux is characterized by diverse soil compositions, influenced by the region's geological history. On the Left Bank, gravelly soils dominate, particularly in areas like Pauillac and Margaux. These soils are warm and well-draining, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in the hot and dry conditions. The gravel retains heat during the day and releases it at night, aiding in the ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
On the Right Bank, soils are predominantly clay and limestone, as seen in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. These soils retain rainwater, helping to cool the vines and produce wines with immense structure and power. Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the primary grape varieties here, with Merlot often dominating blends. The unique combination of clay, limestone, and gravel in these terroirs contributes to the distinct flavor profiles and aging potential of Right Bank wines.
Top grapes in Bordeaux
Merlot
Merlot is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux, known for its soft, velvety texture and ripe, plum-like flavors. This grape variety thrives in the cooler clay soils of Bordeaux's Right Bank, particularly in the regions of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. Merlot-based wines are typically rich and deep, with less tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon, making them more approachable in their youth. The grape's popularity is due to its ability to produce high-quality wines that can vary greatly in complexity, often blended with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon to add structure and longevity.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon, often seen as the king of red wines, holds a prestigious position in Bordeaux, especially on the Left Bank in areas like Médoc and Graves. This grape is prized for its deep color, full body, and ability to age well. It typically exhibits flavors of blackcurrant, tobacco, and sometimes green pepper, with a firm tannic structure that evolves gracefully over time. The grape's thick skin and resistance to the elements make it a reliable choice for Bordeaux's variable climate, contributing to the backbone of many of the region's most powerful and long-lived wines.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a key grape variety in Bordeaux, often used as a blending partner with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to add aromatic complexity and finesse. It is particularly prominent in the Libournais area of the Right Bank. The grape tends to produce lighter and more aromatic wines than Cabernet Sauvignon, featuring a distinctive note of fresh, green bell pepper alongside raspberry and cassis. It ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, which can be particularly advantageous in cooler vintages. Cabernet Franc plays a crucial role in the structure and perfume of Bordeaux blends, enhancing their elegance and depth.
Wines to explore
- The Iconic Grape Varieties of Bordeaux Discover the iconic grape varieties that contribute to the fame of Bordeaux wines. From Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot, explore the unique characteristics of each variety and their role in legendary blends. An essential resource for understanding the essence of great Bordeaux wines.
- The Classification of Bordeaux Wines: History, Evolution & Controversies Discover the fascinating history of Bordeaux wine classification, a system shaping the reputation and value of grand crus for over a century. Explore the origins, classification criteria, and evolution of this iconic system, including the legendary case of Château Mouton Rothschild. Learn how this classification influences the wine market and its importance in the wine world.
- Bordeaux Wine Tasting Guide Discover the art of tasting Bordeaux wines. Learn to appreciate the subtleties and richness of these fine wines that awaken your senses. Explore our tips to enhance your wine experience.
- The Colors of Bordeaux Wines: From Red to White Discover the diversity of Bordeaux wines. Explore the rich hues ranging from deep red to golden white, as well as the grape varieties and winemaking techniques that bring these colors to life. Learn how each shade reflects the unique terroir of the region and enhances your tasting experience. Perfect for wine enthusiasts, this article guides you through the fascinating world of Bordeaux wines.
- The Great Bordeaux Châteaux to Know Discover the prestigious châteaux of Bordeaux, from their iconic wines to their fascinating history. An essential guide to the must-visit estates, from first growths to emerging producers. Explore the excellence of Bordeaux's great wines.
- How to Choose a Good Bordeaux Wine? Discover the secrets to choosing an excellent Bordeaux wine. This comprehensive guide covers understanding labels, the best appellations, and tips for finding the best value for your money. Learn to navigate among the grand crus, vintages, and new producers to select the perfect Bordeaux for every occasion.
- Château Latour
- Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion
- Château Margaux
- Chatêau Chasse-Spleen
- Château Giscours
- Château Haut-Bailly
- Château Léoville Poyferré
- Château Lynch-Bages
- Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
- Château Palmer
- Château Calon Ségur
- Château Haut-Brion
- Château Haut-Marbuzet
- Château Sociando-Mallet
- Château Talbot
- Clos du Marquis
- Château Pontet-Canet
- Château Angélus
- Pétrus
- Château Lafite Rothschild
- Château Mouton Rothschild
- Château Cheval Blanc
- Château La Mission Haut-Brion
- Château d'Yquem
- Château Ausone
- Château Pichon Baron
- Château Lagrange
- Château Brane-Cantenac
- Château Rauzan-Gassies
- Château d'Armailhac
- Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste
- Château Pape Clément
- Domaine de Chevalier
- Château Clinet
- Château Gazin
- Château Beau-Séjour Bécot
- Château La Gaffelière
- Château Gruaud Larose
- Château Saint-Pierre
- Vieux Château Certan
- Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
- Château Léoville Las Cases
- Château l'Evangile
- Château Figeac
- Château Canon
- Château La Conseillante
- Clos Fourtet
- Château Beychevelle
- Château Smith Haut Lafitte
- Château Troplong Mondot
- Château Pavie
- Château Pavie Macquin
- Château Le Pin
- Chateau Clinet
- Le Pin
- Chateau Climens
- Chateau Coutet
- Chateau Suduiraut