Bordeaux

The Bordeaux appellation is one that most of us are familiar with, but very few people are able to pinpoint its exact location. Yet it couldn't be easier! The Bordeaux appellation is a regional appellation that applies to all wines produced from vineyards (excluding forest areas bordering the Atlantic Ocean and alluvial lands known as "palus") in the Gironde department.

The production areas are either exclusively devoted to the Bordeaux AOC or shared with other specific appellations. A parcel delimitation has been studied within each municipal territory in order to define all the parcels or parts thereof, according to the nature, soil, and natural environment, allowing for the production of a quality product.

The Bordeaux Supérieur AOC complements the other appellations that can be claimed in the Bordeaux vineyards, either giving way to "hierarchically superior" appellations, or replacing the Bordeaux AOC when the quality criteria, which are more rigorous than for the latter appellation, are met, in particular a mandatory aging period of at least nine months before release.

The Bordeaux Sec AOC also covers the entire wine-growing area of the Gironde department, but only applies to white wines. To qualify for the appellation, wines must be completely dry, with a residual sugar content not exceeding 4 grams per liter.

The diversity of Bordeaux wines depends not only on the variety of terroirs, as they can come from regions with different soils and climates, but also on the cultivation and winemaking techniques used in the various vineyards. These wines are mainly made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the former providing tannic structure, the latter fruit and velvety texture. Cabernet Franc is sometimes included in the blend, adding roundness and spicy aromas. Petit Verdot and Malbec may also be used as supplements. Nearly 60% of Bordeaux wines are vinified on the estate. The white wines of the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Sec AOCs combine the fruitiness of Sauvignon with the roundness of Sémillon thanks to a well-balanced blend.

Over the past 30 years, the Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur, and Bordeaux Sec appellations have continuously improved their overall quality, notably by eliminating low-quality soils, limiting yields, and setting more restrictive criteria for obtaining the appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designation. Currently, estates such as Château Belle Garde, Maison Dourthe and Thunevin stand out for the quality of their Bordeaux appellations. Château Malromé and, above all, Château Reignac also do credit to the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation.