Bordeaux is widely regarded as one of the most important and prestigious wine regions in the world. Located in southwestern France, it has been producing wine for centuries and is known for its high-quality, full-bodied red wines made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes, as well as its dry and sweet white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. But what really makes Bordeaux wine so special? Here are the answers.

The Climate of in the Bordeaux Region

Bordeaux has a temperate maritime climate with moderate temperatures and high levels of rainfall. It is ideal for grape growing as it allows for slow and steady ripening of the grapes that leads to a more complex flavor profile. The region’s location in southwestern France, near the Atlantic Ocean, provides it with a mild maritime climate, characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, sunny summers. This climate is particularly well-suited to the cultivation of the grape varieties traditionally used in Bordeaux wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. These grapes thrive in the region’s well-drained soils which are rich in limestone, clay, and gravel. You purchase bordeaux wine online to savor its unique taste and notes.

The Variety of the Soil in Bordeaux

The soil in Bordeaux is varied with different regions having different soil types such as gravel, clay, and limestone. This diversity of soil allows for a wide range of grape varieties to be grown, each with its unique flavor profile. The region is divided into several sub-regions with their own geological makeup. The left bank of the Gironde estuary is known for its gravelly soil, ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The right bank, on the other hand, has more clay and limestone. It is better suited for growing Merlot grapes. The Entre-Deux-Mers region, which lies between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, has a mix of soils, allowing for the cultivation of both red and white grape varieties.

The Bordeaux Grapes Varieties

Bordeaux is known for its red wines which are typically made from a blend of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Each grape variety contributes its own unique flavor profile to the blend, resulting in complex and well-balanced wines. Know that Bordeaux wines are classified according to their quality and price. The classification system, known as the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, was established by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce to showcase the best wines of the region for the Paris Universal Exposition.