Bordeaux Red Wine

Red Bordeaux is generally made from a blend of different grape varieties. The grapes that are usually permitted are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdo.

Typically, Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the Red Wine blend, with the best quality blends usually containing an additional 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot.  Many wineries throughout the world aspire to making Bordeaux style wines. The Meritage Association was formed in 1988 to identify Red Wines made in the Bordeaux style.

There are 4 main subregions that produce different types of Red Bordeaux, and are listed from the more "common" type to the "classic" type Red Wines.

Red Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur: The "basic" red Bordeaux wines.  Thes are the more common and cheapest Red Wines that are allowed to be produced all over the region. These wines tend to be more fruity, with a lesser influence of oak in comparison to "classical" Bordeaux.

Red Côtes de Bordeaux: Located in the hilly outskirts of the region, the Merlot grape usually dominates the Red Wines here. Tending to be intermediate between basic red Bordeaux and the more famous appellations.  However, since none of Bordeaux's more famous names are located in Côtes de Bordeaux, prices tend to be more moderate. 

Red Libourne, or "Right Bank" wines: Located around the city of Libourne, 10 appellations produce wines that are dominated by Merlot with very little Cabernet Sauvignon.  The two most famous Red Wines being Saint Emilion and Pomerol. These Red Wines often have grea concentrations of fruit, softer tannins and are age very well.

Red Graves and Médoc or "Left Bank" wines: These are the classic Red Wine producing regions located both to the North and south of the city of Bordeaux. Red Wines produced here are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, but often contain a significant amount of Merlot. These Red Wines are concentrated, tannic, age well and most of them are meant to be cellared before drinking.