The eastuary (wide river) Gironde, formed by the junction of the rivers Garonne and Dordogne, splits Bordeaux into the Left Bank and Right Bank, where the famous Bordeaux Blends are produced.

Entre-Deux-Mers (between-two-seas) is more famous for its white wines.

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Bordeaux Left Bank

On the Left Bank, Cabernet Sauvignon is the primary grape.

A typical top-quality "Bordeaux Blend" consists of:

• 70% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 15% Cabernet Franc
• 15% Merlot

Bordeaux left bank includes Médoc and Haut Médoc, where you find, along the banks of Gironde, some of the most expensive wine districts in the world:

• Saint-Estèphe
• Pauillac
• Saint-Julien
• Margaux

South of Médoc, you find Pessac-Léognan, and south of Graves you find Sauternes and Barsac which are best known for their sweet wines.

The left bank has fewer and larger chateaux (50-80ha in average).

Left Bank Wines

Left bank wines are prominently bold and powerfull Cabernet Sauvignon wines with high tannins and high acidity.

The wines have a powerful structure with flavors of black cherry and violet. The best wines have an aging potential of more than 30 years.

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Bordeaux Right Bank

On the Right Bank, Merlot is the primary grape.

A typical Right Bank blend consists of:

• 70% Merlot
• 15% Cabernet Franc
• 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

Famous appellations (2022) with the most famous Châteaux:

• St. Emilion (Château Pavie. Chateau Figeac. Chateau Cheval Blanc. Chateau Ausone.)
• Pomerol (Château Pétrus. Château Lafleur. Château Le Pin.)

The right bank has more small chateaux (30ha in average).

Right Bank Wines

Right bank wines are dominated by Merlot, rich in red fruits and notes of herbs.

They are also bold, but smoother, with softer tannins and Merlot fruity flavors. They can age, but are more "drink me soon" style.

In warm years, Marlot can have flavors of blackberry jam and baked plum.

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Left Bank Terroir

The left bank is close to the Atlantic, and the temperature is moderated by the ocean. The vineyards get more rainfall and cooler temperatures during the growing season.

The soil is rocky and gravelly with ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon.

The soil is well-draining, letting roots dry out so the grapes can fully ripen (Vines should struggle for water. It encourages grape growth rather than leaves).

The soil also provides heat retention. The rocks hold warmth and gradually release it to the vines, creating a slow and even grape ripening.

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©LeDomduVin 2022

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Right Bank Terroir

The right bank is inland. It gets less rainfall and higher temperatures.

The inland is also prone to frost. In April 2017 many vinyards suffered from 100% loss of buds with no grapes to be harvested.

The terroir on the right bank is less difficult, with less gravel and more clay and limestone.

The soil of the right bank is mostly cool clay where Merlot ripens fully almost every year. Since clay holds water, it allows Merlot to develop the juicy berry taste it is known for.

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Red Grapes

The "Big 3" stands for 98 percent of all red grape plantings, according the official Vins de Bordeaux website:

• Merlot 65%
• Cabernet Sauvignon 22%
• Cabernet Franc 10%
• Malbec 2%
• Petit Verdot 1%

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White Grapes

Bordeaux white wines are most often a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

• Sémillon 47%
• Sauvignon Blanc 45%
• Muscadelle 5%
• Other 3%

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Medoc & Haut-Medoc (Left Bank)

Medoc and Haut-Medoc are celebrated for producing the most prestigious and age-worthy red wines in Bordeaux, primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

The wines are known for their deep color, complex aromatics of blackcurrant and cedar, and structured tannins.

Famous appellations (with the most famous Châteaux):

• Médoc
• Haut-Médoc
• Saint-Estéphe (Château Lynch-Bages)
• Pauillac (Château Lafite-Rothschild. Château Mouton Rothschild. Château Latour)
• Saint-Julien
• Margaux (Château Margaux. Château Palmer)

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Graves & Pessac-Léognan

Graves & Pessac-Léognan are known for both red and white wines. The reds are made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, offering flavors of dark berries and smoke, while the whites, primarily from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, exhibit fresh citrus and mineral notes.

All Pessac-LéognanIn Châteaux came under the Graves appellation in 1959, but have used the more prestigious Pessac-Leognan appellation since its introduction in 1987. Most noteable Château: Château Haut-Brion.

is particularly known for its high-quality, age-worthy whites.

The terroir is rocky, with gravel (stones) and some limestone.

In the wine world, this bad soil means good wine because the more the roots have to struggle, the better the quality. Rocky soils and hillsides give a good drainage (too much water gives a watery berry).

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Sauternes and Barsac

Sauternes and Barsac are famous for their exquisite sweet wines, made from grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which concentrates their sugars and flavors.

The wines are predominantly from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, and are known for their complex flavors of apricot, honey, and nuts, with a rich, creamy texture.

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Blaye & Bourg (Right Bank)

Blaye & Bourg on the Gironde right bank, covers multiple rolling vineyards that all benefit from ideal sunny conditions.

In the west, around the town of Blaye, the soils are clay-limestone that allows the aromas of the Merlot grape to reveal all its potential.

In the north, the sand and gravel soils are ideal for the development of the subtle aromas of the Sauvignon Blanc grape.

Blaye AOC (reds)

The soil is clay and limestone.

Red wine is made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with smaller quantities of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carménère.

The wines are fresh and fruity, and should be drunk relatively young.

Côtes de Blaye AOC (whites)

The soil is clay and limestone.

White wine is made predominantly from Colombard and Ugni Blanc.

Côtes de Bordeaux AOC (reds and whites)

The soil is clay and limestone.

The red wine grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Carménère, Petit Verdot and Merlot.

The white wines, made from Sauvignon blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle, are usually dry, light and fruity.

Côtes de Bourg AOC (reds and whites)

The soil is clay-limestone on bedrock of porous stone.

Only 4 red wine grapes are permittet here: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.

The white wine grapes are Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon, Columbard and Moscadelle.

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The Libournais (Right Bank)

Saint-Emilion

Saint-Emilion & Pomerol predominantly produce Merlot-based wines, which are generally softer and more approachable in their youth compared to Left Bank wines.

Saint-Emilion wines can vary but often have plum and cherry flavors with a velvety texture.

Pomerol

Pomerol, although smaller, produces highly sought-after wines that are rich, concentrated, and possess a silky smoothness. Notable mentions include Château Pétrus and Château Cheval Blanc.

The best vintages of Pomerol are 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2001, 2000, 1998, 1995, 1990, 1989, 1985, 1982, 1975, 1970, 1964, 1961, 1959, 1955, 1953, 1952, 1950, 1949, 1948, 1947 and 1945.

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Entre-Deux-Mers

Entre-Deux-Mers is primarily known for its dry white wines. Crisp, refreshing, and aromatic wines from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. These wines are often considered great values, offering floral and fruity notes with a lively acidity, perfect for everyday drinking.<&p>

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Bordeaux Appelations

1. Médoc 2. Haut-Médoc 3. Saint-Estéphe 4. Pauillac 5. Saint-Julien 6. Listrac-Médoc 7. Moulis 8. Margaux 9. Côtes de Blaye 10. Cotes de Bourg 11. Bordeaux 12. Fronsac 13. Canon-Fronsac 15. Pomerol 16. Lalande-de-Pomerol 17. Montagne-Saint-Emillion 18. Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion 19. Puisseguin-Saint-Emillion 20. Bordeaux-Côtes de Francs

21. Saint-Emilion 22. Côtes de Castillon 23. Premieres Côtes de Bordaux 24. Graves de Vayres 25. Ente-Deux-Mers 26. Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux 27. Haut-Benauge 28. Côtes de Bordaux - Cadillac 29. Côtes de Bordaux - Saint.Macaire 30. Cadillac 31. Lauplac 32. Sainte-Croix-du-Mont 33. Pessac-Léognan 34. Graves 35. Cérons 36. Barsac 37. Sautenes