Bordeaux Wines: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Ones

Fruity or full-bodied reds, fresh and sweet whites:Bordeaux wines offer a wide variety of styles. What grape varieties are used? What’s the difference between the Left Bank and the Right Bank? What foods pair best with them? Here are the essentials for exploring the Bordeaux wine region!

What is a Bordeaux wine?

A Bordeaux wine is produced in the Bordeaux wine region, which is primarily located in Gironde, in southwestern France. Bordeaux therefore refers to a wine region and an appellation, not a grape variety.

While the region is best known for its reds, it also produces dry whites, semi-sweet wines, sweet wines, rosés, and sparkling wines.

What makes it unique? The art of blending, which involves blending several grape varieties to create the wine’s balance and character. 

What are the main grape varieties in Bordeaux?

Red Grape Varieties

• Merlot generally brings fruitiness, roundness, and a generous texture. It is particularly dominant on the right bank.
• Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure, blackcurrant aromas, and aging potential. It plays an important role in the Médoc.
• Cabernet Franc complements many blends, particularly on the Right Bank.

White Grape Varieties

Bordeaux white wines are primarily made from Sauvignon Blanc, prized for its freshness and citrus notes, and Sémillon, which adds body and roundness. Muscadelle can round out the blend with an aromatic, floral touch.

What is the difference between the Left Bank and the Right Bank?

The Left Bank: Médoc and Graves

In particular, it includes the appellations Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe, Graves, and Pessac-Léognan.

Cabernet Sauvignon often plays an important role here, particularly in the Médoc. The reds can exhibit a beautiful tannic structure and great depth.

The Right Bank: Saint-Émilion and Pomerol

It includes, in particular, Saint-Émillion, Pomerol, and Fronsac. Merlot is generally the dominant grape variety there, often blended with Cabernet Franc.

Wines can be full-bodied, fruity, and silky, but some vintages are also powerful and meant for aging.

These differences provide points of reference: the terroir and the winemaker’s choices remain essential to understanding each bottle.

What are the aromas of Bordeaux wines?

Red Bordeaux wines often feature notes of cherry, plum, blackberry, or blackcurrant. As they age, some vintages develop nuances of forest floor, leather, cedar, or tobacco.

White Bordeaux wines can evoke notes of citrus, white flowers, and white-fleshed fruits. Some are lively and light, while others are fuller-bodied and more complex.

Sweet wines, particularly those from Sauternes and Barsac, are distinctly sweet, with aromas of honey, candied apricot, and dried fruit. 

What dishes go well with Bordeaux wine?

First and foremost, choose based on the style of the wine:

• A smooth, fruity red : roast chicken, mushroom gratin, or roasted vegetables.
• A full-bodied red : grilled ribeye, leg of lamb, or braised beef.
• A crisp, dry white wine : oysters, shrimp, or grilled fish.
• A more substantial white dish : chicken in cream sauce or fish in sauce.
• A sweet wine : blue cheese or a fruit-based dessert.

How do you choose a good Bordeaux?

The right Bordeaux depends on your tastes and the occasion.

For a bottle to be opened young, look for a profile that is fruity, supple, or rich. For a hearty meal, opt for a more structured wine. When building a wine cellar, check the aging potential indicated by the winery.

Price and reputation aren't everything when it comes to a wine appellation: our selection of Bordeaux wines under €15 also offers some wonderful discoveries.

You can also explore our organic Bordeaux wines and choose the style that suits you best.

How should Bordeaux wines be served?

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy their flavors:

• Soft reds : around 14 to 15 °C.
• Full-bodied reds : between 16 and 18 °C.
• Dry whites and rosés : between 8 and 12 °C.
• Rich and sweet : between 6 and 8 °C.

A young red wine that is still closed off may benefit from being decanted. For an older bottle, it’s best to follow the winery’s recommendations and avoid letting it breathe for too long.

FAQ

Are all Bordeaux wines suitable for aging?

No. Many vintages are enjoyable even when young. A wine’s aging potential depends on the wine itself and how it is stored.

Are Bordeaux wines still full-bodied?

No. There are also smooth, fruity reds, as well as fresh, delicate whites.

Which Bordeaux should you choose to start with?

A full-bodied red or a dry white from Entre-deux-Mers is a good place to start. Above all, choose a bottle that pairs well with the flavors you enjoy.

Discover our selection of Bordeaux wines and find your next bottle to share.