An ancient region and a mosaic of terroirs, the Bordeaux area in France is one of the major reference points for wine lovers, who can rely on rich soils and favourable climate to enjoy wines of exceptional elegance. Among these, Bordeaux reds are on the lips of all connoisseurs, not only synonymous with prestige, but characterised by a production style that has set standards.
Here is a guide to the best Bordeaux red wines, covering characteristics, pairings and some historical notes!
The characteristics of Bordeaux wines
For the Bordeaux region, wine is not just an activity, but an identity trait expressed through enormous annual production. But it would be a mistake to think that the oenological achievements of this area are centred on mere quantitative aspirations: Bordeaux wines are known in the wine world primarily for their exceptional quality, as well as for their enviable elegance.
Local production largely focuses on reds, not so much in pure varietals, but rather on very accurate blends, most notably the famous Bordeaux blend that many of its wines comprise. This traditional blend - which has influenced many other countries - is generally created by balancing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the most cultivated grapes in the region.
Despite nuances from one sub-zone to another, Bordeaux French red wines are known for their longevity. Among the primary aromas, fruity notes typically stand out, with hints of cherry, blackcurrant, black cherry, plum and blackberry, which become deeper with ageing. Tannins are present, mature and silky, giving good structure. In some cases, one can also perceive edgy notes of spices and toasting.
The best Bordeaux red wines and their favourite food pairings
With such a variety of styles and labels, it's difficult to highlight the top chart of Bordeaux red wines, but to begin to know these masterpieces of elegance, Svinando offers some of its best labels, to bring to the table or to gift to wine-loving friends.
"Alter Ego" Margaux Médoc 2021
Considering the fame of the Médoc sub-region, it is more than wise to start the tasting with one of its wines, the "Alter Ego" Margaux Médoc 2021.
It's difficult to say which trait of this wine most makes connoisseurs fall in love: it could be the intense ruby colour, tending towards garnet, or perhaps the extraordinary organoleptic bouquet, obtained from ageing in barriques for at least 18 months. The nose receives spirited notes of red berry fruit, sweet spices and aromatic herbs, while the taste of this wine is elegant, soft and with delicate tannins.
Among the best pairings with Bordeaux wines like this are red meat dishes, such as steaks, beef Wellington, pork and beef roasts, stews and pies. Also not bad with elegant tastings of medium-aged cheeses, such as a Double Gloucester, a Cheshire or a Wensleydale.
Bordeaux Benjamin de Beauregard Pomerol 2020
An extremely important sub-region of the Libournais wine area, Pomerol cannot be ignored in a review of Bordeaux red wines, especially because it gives life to an excellent product like this Bordeaux Benjamin de Beauregard Pomerol 2020, which owes its complex organoleptic notes to malolactic fermentation in oak barrels and ageing in wood for at least 15 months.
Patience is rewarded with an aromatic texture that recalls notes of chocolate, ripe fruit and dried flowers. The sip reveals a medium body and elegant tannins that should mature with a few years of ageing. A wine like this deserves to be uncorked on special occasions, perhaps during a refined dinner, with beef fillets in red wine, steaks, tartare or duck breast.
Château Carbonnieux Grand Cru Classé de Graves Pessac-Léognan 2018
To the right of its main rivers, on the western bank of the region, lies the sub-zone of Graves, home to great red wines. One of these is the Château Carbonnieux Grand Cru Classé de Graves Pessac-Léognan 2018, capable of conquering the senses with its deep ruby red colour and its vibrant notes of red and black fruit. In the mouth, the toasted notes mix with refined and balanced tannins, children of their time in oak barrels.
Among the recommended pairings are medium-aged cheeses and red meats - even better if grilled - but for a more original use, it's a great idea to uncork this wine at the end of a meal, with biscuits, tarts or chocolate cakes!
Château Gloria Saint-Julien 2021
For lovers of strong flavours, well represented by game-based dishes, such as roast venison or pheasant, jugged hare or wild boar stew, there is a need for a wine with equally intense organoleptic notes, like this Château Gloria Saint-Julien 2021, excellent to uncork after a period of ageing in the cellar.
Characterised by a full-bodied red colour, it presents enchanting scents of cherry and raspberry. Medium-bodied and elegantly tannic, it conquers not only with a edgy taste, but also with a refreshing aftertaste, which makes it even more enjoyable.
Prestige and Variety? All (or Almost) a Matter of Terroir!
Bordeaux is one of the largest wine regions in France - as well as one of the most relevant in the entire wine world - responsible for producing a varied panorama of styles.
The numerous facets that characterise local production are due to the diversity of the terroir, strongly influenced by the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean, which gives rise to a moderate maritime climate. In this context, the two main rivers of the region, Garonne and Dordogne, also play a very significant role - together with the sea breezes - keeping temperatures in check, ensuring good ventilation.
The entire region, moreover, develops on low-lying terrain, an element that keeps temperatures fairly constant.
The soil composition is equally varied, composed predominantly of gravel towards the west and a mixture of limestone, clay and sand towards the east, without, however, this determining a clear distinction.
The main wine areas of Bordeaux
Conventionally, the Bordeaux region is divided into three different main zones, divided into the Left Bank, focused on growing Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the Right Bank, where Merlot and Cabernet Franc dominate, and Entre Deux Mers, the section between the two rivers, better known for whites.
Within these macro-areas lie the main French wine regions of Bordeaux:
Médoc: one of the most well-known sub-regions, it is situated between the Atlantic and the left bank of the Garonne. The climate is temperate thanks to the proximity of water, while the soils are predominantly gravelly, more draining in the south and heavier in the north, ideal for the birth of fruity and elegant reds that lend themselves well to ageing.
Graves: also positioned to the left of the Garonne, this sub-region develops on gravelly and pebbly soils that give it its name. Ocean breezes mitigate temperatures, wooded areas refresh and the proximity of the river provides humidity. The notes of its reds are deep, with references to chocolate.
Libournais: in the north-eastern area of Bordeaux, on the right bank of the Dordogne, it is characterised by calcareous and clayey soils, with a small part of sand and silica. The climate is generally mild, with a good supply of humidity. Its reds are soft and not too tannic, excellent to leave ageing in the cellar.
Bourg & Blaye: north-east of Bordeaux, the two regions present soils rich in limestone, clay and sandstone with excellent draining capabilities, as well as a mild climate. The wines produced here are fruity and intense, ideal for ageing.
Brief History of Bordeaux French Wines
Anciently dominated by the Gallic population of the Bituriges Vivisques, today's Bordeaux area developed an oenological activity thanks to the initiatives of the Romans, who planted the first vines - particularly belonging to the Balisca variety - in the area to the left of the Garonne, obtaining wines of notable quality.
In medieval times, during the period of Henry II Plantagenet, the fortune of local oenology increased thanks to the first exports - especially to England - regulated by the Bordeaux Privilege, an agreement that established the priority of Bordeaux wines in trade.
The reclamation of some marshy areas in the 17th century increased the vineyard surface area of Bordeaux, while Arnaud de Pontac is credited with the first "marketing" initiatives that allowed local wines to be known abroad as products of great prestige, especially after Napoleon established quality classifications, gradually expanded throughout the twentieth century.
After this guide, do you feel like travelling to France? You just need to explore the Svinando catalogue for a taste!