Bordeaux is the world's most famous fine-wine region, on France's Atlantic coast around the Gironde estuary. Its reds blend Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec); the gravelly Left Bank (Médoc, Graves) favours structured, cedar-and-cassis Cabernet, while the clay Right Bank (Pomerol, Saint-Émilion) makes plusher Merlot. It also produces dry whites and the legendary sweet Sauternes.
Structure
| Body | Bordeaux's maritime climate and 1855 classification of châteaux set the template for age-worthy, blended reds. Left Bank wines are firm and tannic young, needing years; Right Bank wines are rounder and earlier. Great vintages reward decades of cellaring; petits châteaux offer everyday value. |
|---|---|
| Acidity | Medium, fresh in the reds. |
| Tannin | Medium to high, firm and ageworthy. |
| Finish | Long and savoury, with cassis, cedar and graphite. |
| Aroma | Blackcurrant, plum, cedar, graphite, tobacco and violet. |
Serving: 16–18°C (60–64°F). · Decanting: 1–2 hours for young classed growths.
Bordeaux drinking window
| Tier | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| Petit château / everyday | Drink within 2–6 years. |
| Cru Bourgeois / mid | Best 5–15 years. |
| Classed growth | 10–40+ years. |
| Vintage | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Drinking well now. |
| 2016 | Hold; superb, to 2046. |
| 2020 | Cellar to 2045. |
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Bordeaux — questions answered
What is the difference between Left Bank and Right Bank Bordeaux?
Left Bank (Médoc, Graves) is Cabernet-dominant, firm and structured on gravel; Right Bank (Pomerol, Saint-Émilion) is Merlot-dominant, plusher and earlier-drinking on clay.
What grapes are used in red Bordeaux?
Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec in supporting roles.
How long does Bordeaux need to age?
Everyday wines drink young; classed growths from good vintages can need a decade and improve for 20–40 years.
What food pairs with red Bordeaux?
Lamb, steak and roasted red meats — the classic match for its firm tannin and savoury fruit.