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Bordeaux (or Le Bordelais) is one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world.
Regional AOC appellations of Bordeaux cover the entire territory. Its other appellations are distributed in four distinct sub-regions: Entre-Deux-Mers, Graves & Sauternes, Libourne & Côtes, and Médoc.
edit Tasting
edit Facts and figures
- Production area: 72,800 hectares (179,892 acres)
- Annual production average: 425 million liters
- Main varietals (Red): Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carménère
- Main varietals (White): Sauvignon, Muscadelle, Sémillion
edit Special Bordeaux classifications
Six official classements (classifications) are used in Bordeaux to identify wines of high quality and production standards.
- 61 vineyards of Médoc and Graves are listed since 1855 as Grands Crus classés. That list practically hasn't been modified ever since.
- Another "classement" was created simultaneously for white wines, the Sauternes and Barsac Cru classification, listing 27 vineyards of Sauternes and Barsac which produce some of the best "liqueur" or "golden white" wines.
- The Saint-Émilion Grand Cru classification lists exceptional vineyards located in the Saint-Émilion grand cru appellation.
- The Graves Cru classification lists 16 vineyards in the Pessac-Léognan appellation.
- Two other classifications are used for Médoc wines: the Cru Artisan and the Cru Bourgeois.
edit History
Winegrowing is known to have existed in Bordeaux prior to the Roman conquest, when it started its expansion. Bordeaux wines were much appreciated by members of the Roman aristocracy, as witnessed by the Roman poet Ausone, who owned a vineyard in the region.
During middle ages, Bordeaux wines achieved success in England and Holland. The port of Bordeaux was then controlled by England, who exported its wines by sea to distant destinations.
The 18th, 19th and 20th centuries saw Bordeaux wines gaining in prestige throughout the world. In 1855, the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce established an official wine classification ranking the best wines of the region, which is still much revered today. Most wines competing for this classification were from Médoc, but other classifications were later established in other parts of Bordeaux, following this template (see below).
edit Geography
The nature of soils greatly vary from one sub-region of Bordeaux to another. Médoc mostly offers kieselguhr, quartz and ferruginous soils. Limestone and clay dominate the soils of Sauternes, while marl and limestone can be found in Entre-Deux-Mers. These soils have in common a thin surface layer of sandy gravel, that can be seen throughout the region.
edit Climate
Bordeaux enjoys an oceanic climate, altered by coastal pine forests and large which create a distinct microclimate. Variations in temperature are low, but winters can sometimes be harsh. Summers are hot and sunny, with frequent thundery depressions, while falls are warm.
edit Viticulture
edit See also
- Interprofessional Council for Bordeaux Wines - Official site (in English)
- Vins de Pays - Aquitaine, Charentes, Limousin
