5 Characteristics and Styles of Wine in the Bordeaux Region

The wine industry has a wide range of selections that one can choose from. However, Bordeaux remains undefeatable when it comes to this luxurious beverage. The wine from the Bordeaux region is unarguably the cream of the crop for various reasons- and one of it is no more than the character and style of their produce.

The renowned wine region has been cultivating grapevines for more than 2,000 years. In those years, the wine that they have produced has not failed both its population and the economy. In fact, wines offered by professionals and dealers, like the Bordeaux wines at Sokolin, are being sold and considered as the highest quality of wines.

With the help of this article, you'll know more about the uniqueness of wines from Bordeaux!

Left Bank Bordeaux Wine Characteristics

The Left Bank is seen as the old guard of the region, wherein the most exclusive Chateaux are found. In this area, the four best-known appellations reside, namely, St. Estèphe, Pauillac, St. Julien, and Margaux. The region also encompasses the notable Haut-Médoc, Médoc, and Graves wines. 

Each appellation's wine has a uniqueness of its own. For instance, Medoc and Haut-Medoc are home to many premier high prices Chateaux, with plenty of lighter styles and value-driven reds. For big and tannic wines, St. Estephe is the go-to, while St. Julien is known for its high-standard and consistent great wines. 

The Bordeaux wine from the Left Bank is known for its deep color that ranges from dark ruby to almost black during its youth. The wines also appear to be concentrated, powerful, firm, and tannic. On the other hand, the wine's taste from this area delivers fruity scents, rich flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, vanilla, cassis, coffee bean, spice, and licorice. 

Right Bank Bordeaux Wine Characteristics

The Right Bank lived in the shadows of the Left Bank, where well-known appellations are located. However, Robert Parker came along and heaped all sorts of praise on the modern "garagiste" or garage wine. Garagiste refers to a group of winemakers that don't have their wineries or vines and make wine on a small scale.

Garagiste has a modern approach that many producers use to make their Merlot blends, where the wines are rich in fruit, with less tannin and acid. On another note, the area is also famous for its Merlot, with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a softer style and more vibrant New World flavors.

When young, the taste of the area's Bordeaux wine delivers the notes of black cherry, blueberry, plum, chocolate, licorice, spice, vanilla, smoke, and jam flavors. For wines dominated by Merlot, the wine would have lower acidity than the Cabernet Sauvignon, which would mean richer, softer, and incredibly silky wines. 

The Bordeaux Blend Style

You may have come across the term "Bordeaux Blend," making you wonder what its difference is with other wines styles. Well, technically speaking, the Bordeaux blend is a type of blend that is authorized for use in the Bordeaux region. The blend primarily speaks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

Bordeaux blend is generally about the lead grapes in a bottle of wine. It means that the grape used is a dominant feature of the beverage in the bottle- and this is the easiest way to compare the blends. For instance, if a wine has 70 percent Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, this significantly affects the overall taste of the wine. 

For Cabernet Sauvignon blends, the taste would hint at blackcurrant and new oak aromas, with earthy and herbal flavors. The Cabernet Sauvignon blends also have strong tannins, so this type of blend is astringent. In contrast with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot tends to be softer, plummy and is easier to consume. 

White Bordeaux Wine Characteristics

The dryness, along with the abundance of flavors and characteristics of Bordeaux white wine, makes it exquisite. The tasting notes of this mouth-watering beverage include citrusy hints of lemon, orange, lime, and grapefruit. This taste is accompanied by honey, flowers, butter, vanilla, and spices.

Bordeaux white wines can taste rich, deep, and concentrated when they are at their best. When a white Bordeaux wine ages, they develop a complicated combination of scents, such as citrus, honey, spice, and stone. This type of wine can be found in several appellations. However, if you want the best of the best, then Pessac Leognan is your choice.

Bordeaux Wine's Alcohol Level

The alcohol level of Bordeaux's wine varies and depends on the grape variety and how vintage the bottle is. For instance, the younger wines will produce lower alcohol levels while the vintages will create wines with higher alcohol content. When it comes to grape varieties, grapes made into Cabernet Sauvignon from the Left Bank have lower alcohol levels than the Merlot-lead wines from Pomerol or St. Emilion. 

Takeaway

Bordeaux wines remain on the top of the throne in the wine industry. Along with its rich culture and long history in winemaking, the Bordeaux region lives up to its reputation. Through their exquisite wines, the region earned its title as the wine capital of the world. Whether you're a curious wine newbie or an enthusiast with a bucket list, the wine from the Bordeaux region is a must-try.