Bordeaux 01
As you may already know, Bordeaux is a renowned wine-growing region in southwest France, boasting some of the world's most exceptional wines. Bordeaux, the capital of the Gironde département, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful wine cities globally, with its eponymous estuary adding to its allure.
Geographically, Bordeaux is situated near the Atlantic Ocean, with the Garonne and Dordogne rivers running through it. These two rivers merge to form the Gironde estuary, which is crucial to the region's viticulture.
The vineyards in Bordeaux are divided into two banks based on their location relative to the rivers. The vineyards located west of the Garonne and Gironde rivers are known as the Left Bank, while that east of the Dordogne and Gironde is called the Right Bank.
Interestingly, Bordeaux's vineyards are dominated by black grapes, with over 90% of the plantings comprising black grape varieties. This makes the region unique, as other wine regions typically have a more balanced mix of black and white grape varieties.
Grapes
Sauvignon Blanc: This white grape variety is known for its high acidity and herbaceous notes of grapefruit, gooseberry, and green pepper. It's typically used in dry white blends and is a key component of Sauternes and Barsac's famous sweet white wines. Sauvignon Blanc is grown on both the Left and Right Banks of Bordeaux.
Sémillon: This white grape variety is typically blended with Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux and is known for producing medium-bodied wines with a waxy mouthfeel and flavors of honey, dried fruit, and nuts. It's particularly susceptible to botrytis, often used in sweet botrytis-affected wines like Sauternes and Barsac.
Muscadelle: This white grape variety is used in dry and sweet white blends and is known for its fragrant floral notes and moderate acidity. It's a delicate grape variety often used in small amounts in blends to add complexity.
Merlot: This red grape variety is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux and is known for its soft, fleshy texture and fruity flavors of plum, black cherry, and blackberry. It's grown on both the Left and Right Banks and is often used in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon to add body and softness.
Cabernet Sauvignon: This late-ripening red grape variety is known for its thick skin and high tannin concentration, resulting in wines with intense flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry, and mint. It's primarily grown on the Left Bank of Bordeaux and is often blended with Merlot and other grape varieties to add structure and complexity.
Carménère: This red grape variety is known for its spicy, herbal notes and is often used in small amounts in blends to add complexity and bitterness. It's primarily grown on the Right Bank of Bordeaux.
Cabernet Franc: This red grape variety is known for its early ripening and fine tannins, producing medium-bodied wines with aromas of raspberry, violet, and bell pepper. It's typically grown on the Right Bank of Bordeaux and is often blended with Merlot to add complexity and structure.
Malbec: Also known as Cot in Bordeaux, this red grape variety is known for its deep color and flavors of blackberry, cherry, and spice. It's typically used in small amounts in blends to add color and tannic structure. Malbec is primarily grown on the Right Bank of Bordeaux.
Petit Verdot: This late-ripening red grape variety is known for its deep color and flavors of violet and dark fruit. It's often used in small amounts in blends to add tannic structure and complexity. Petit Verdot is primarily grown on the Left Bank of Bordeaux.
Arinarnoa, Castets, Marselan, and Touriga Nacional (red) and Alvarinho, Liliorila, and Petit Manseng (white) are newer grape varieties that have recently been allowed for planting in Bordeaux. While their use in blends is still limited, they offer exciting possibilities for winemakers to adapt to changing climate conditions and produce unique and complex wines.
Climate and Vineyard Management
Let's dive into some more details about the climate and vineyard management practices in Bordeaux:
Bordeaux has a maritime climate that is heavily influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary. This provides protection from winter freezes and spring frosts, making it an ideal climate for viticulture. Winters are mild, springs are moist, and summers are hot, providing ideal conditions for grapevines to thrive.
The soils in Bordeaux vary depending on the location, with Garonne gravel, Pyrenean gravel, and clay and limestone being the most prevalent. These soils contribute to the unique character of Bordeaux wines.
Regarding vineyard management, head-trained, replacement cane-pruned vines are the most common method used in Bordeaux. Two double Guyot canes are trained on the Left Bank, while the Right Bank prefers the single-cane Single Guyot.
However, despite careful vineyard management practices, grapevines in Bordeaux are susceptible to various diseases, including Eutypa dieback and Esca. These types of trunk diseases can rot the vine from the inside.
Esca is a disease that affects mature grapevines and can cause leaves to turn yellow or red.
Eutypa dieback is one of the most common trunk diseases of grapevines, caused by the fungus Eutypa lata. Both diseases are found in wine regions worldwide where annual rainfall exceeds 350mm.
While these diseases can be challenging to manage, Bordeaux winemakers continue to employ various strategies to prevent their spread, such as planting disease-resistant rootstocks and carefully pruning infected vines. Despite these challenges, Bordeaux remains one of the world's most famous wine regions, known for producing exceptional wines with distinctive character and complexity.
Listicle
The history of Bordeaux wines, from ancient times to the present day.
The unique geography of Bordeaux, including the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and the Gironde estuary.
The Left Bank and Right Bank vineyards of Bordeaux and the grape varieties grown in each.
The different soils found in Bordeaux, including Garonne gravel, Pyrenean gravel, and clay and limestone.
The impact of the maritime climate on Bordeaux wines and viticulture practices.
The traditional vineyard management practices used in Bordeaux, including head-trained, replacement cane-pruned vines.
The different pruning methods used on the Left Bank (Double Guyot) and Right Bank (Single Guyot).
The different grape varieties grown in Bordeaux, including Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
The characteristics of each grape variety and how they contribute to the blends in Bordeaux wines.
The role of botrytis (noble rot) in the production of sweet Bordeaux wines like Sauternes and Barsac.
The different classifications of Bordeaux wines, including the famous 1855 Classification of the Médoc and Graves.
The role of Bordeaux wines in the global wine market and their impact on the industry.
The challenges faced by Bordeaux winemakers, including the spread of trunk diseases like Eutypa dieback and Esca.
The strategies used to manage and prevent the spread of trunk diseases in Bordeaux vineyards.
The impact of climate change on Bordeaux wines and how winemakers are adapting to these changes.
The different styles of Bordeaux wines, including red, white, rosé, and sweet wines.
The characteristics of Bordeaux red wines, including their tannic structure, fruit flavors, and aging potential.
The characteristics of Bordeaux white wines, including their high acidity, herbaceous notes, and aging potential.
The famous châteaux of Bordeaux and their role in the region's winemaking history.
The future of Bordeaux wines and the challenges and opportunities facing the region in the coming years.
