Bordeaux

Most of us are familiar with the Bordeaux appellation, but very few people can pinpoint its exact location. Yet it couldn’t be easier! The Bordeaux appellation is a regional designation that applies to all wines produced from vineyard lands (excluding forested areas along the Atlantic Ocean and alluvial lands known as “palus”) in the Gironde department.

The production areas are either exclusively designated for the Bordeaux AOC or shared with other specific appellations. A parcel-by-parcel demarcation has been studied within each municipal territory to identify all parcels or parts thereof—based on their characteristics, soil, and natural environment—that are capable of producing a high-quality product.

The Bordeaux Supérieur AOC complements the other appellations that may be claimed in the Bordeaux wine region, either by taking a back seat to “hierarchically superior” appellations, or it replaces the Bordeaux AOC when the quality criteria—which are more rigorous than those for the latter appellation—are met, notably a mandatory aging period of at least 9 months before release.

The Bordeaux Sec AOC also covers the entire wine-growing region of the Gironde department, but applies only 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 stems not only from the variety of terroirs—since they can come from regions with differing soils and climates—but also from the cultivation and winemaking techniques employed at the various wineries. These wines are primarily made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with the former contributing tannic structure and the latter providing fruit and a velvety texture. Cabernet Franc is sometimes included in the blend, adding roundness and spicy aromas. Petit Verdot and Malbec may also be used as supplementary varieties. 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 through a well-balanced blend.

Over the past thirty years, the Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur, and Bordeaux Sec appellations have steadily improved their overall quality, notably by eliminating low-quality soils, limiting yields, and establishing more restrictive criteria for obtaining the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation. Currently, estates such as Château Belle Garde, Maison Dourthe, and the Thunevin estates stand out for the quality of their Bordeaux appellations. Château Malromé and, above all, Château Reignac also do justice to the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation.