Pop open a bottle of Bordeaux, and you’re almost ensured to be in for something special. The popular red wine area is widely known for its elite puts, historical vineyards and savory blends. However a Bordeaux is so much more than the pricey bottle of red on a wine store’s top rack.
Need to know more? We’re breaking down everything you require to know about Bordeaux wine, what grapes prevail in Bordeaux blends and the best bottlings to get right now.
What Is Bordeaux Red wine?
Like many European wines, Bordeaux white wines are named after the area in which they are produced. Bordeaux is a white wine area in France about 3 hours south of Paris and is popular for its world-class winemaking.
The location has a mild ocean environment thanks to the Atlantic Ocean and is home to over 6,000 wine makers producing in mainly family-run estates. Bordeaux can describe red or white wines. But red Bordeaux white wines make up about 85 percent of white wine production– they are frequently moderately alcoholic, have strong tannins and pair perfectly with food. In contrast, depending on which grapes are present and in what quantities, a white Bordeaux, or Bordeaux Blanc, tends to be fresh and can have notes of citrus, turf and apples. Dry white Bordeaux wines make up practically 9 percent of the region’s white wine production; Bordeaux likewise produces percentages of rosé, sweet white and crémant.
What Are the Common Bordeaux Grapes?
Most Bordeaux red wines are not single-varietal, however a blend that contains multiple grape varieties. Red Bordeaux wine typically consists of the grape ranges Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, however can likewise be combined with Malbec, Carménère and Petit Verdot. A Bordeaux Blanc typically includes a mix of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, but can also consist of a mix of other grapes like Sauvignon Gris, Muscadelle, Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Merlot Blanc and Mauzac.
Now, it’s time to get shopping. Our expert cups picked these great examples of excellent quality Bordeaux wines from the existing 2019 vintage, varying in price from $15 to $200. They come from 9 unique grape-growing districts of Bordeaux. The red wine is streaming, and we have the best Bordeaux wine bottles to get you began.
Cellar Selections from Bordeaux
100 Points Wine Enthusiast The spectacular Merlot in the blend has pushed up the alcohol, while also providing a velvet touch and power to the red wine. This estate is now on the top type, producing this kindly ripe, black plum flavored red wine. It is lifted by level of acidity while powering the red wine’s strength. Drink from 2026. # 13 Top 100 Cellar Selections 2022 — Roger Voss
$99
Wine.com
98 Points Red Wine Enthusiast
Gone are the days when this illustrious estate produced the most powerful red wine possible. This brand-new release is elegant and packed with fantastic black fruits. Some dark chocolate tastes include density while keeping the wine’s perfume and blackberry flavors. It is excellent, likely ready to consume from 2026. Cellar Choice — R.V.
$254
Vivino
96 Points Wine Enthusiast
In this red wine, abundant tannins are perfectly polished by the 16 to 20 months in wood. The black fruits, from the 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, are structured, offering the white wine considerable potential. Still coming into balance, the wine will likely be all set from 2027. Cellar Choice — R.V.
$75
Wine.com
96 Points Wine Enthusiast
The red wine is rich, complete. Its remarkable structure is cushioned by the velour black fruits and level of acidity. The wine’s construction is effective but never overpowering. It will age well, all set to consume from 2026. Cellar Selection — R.V.
$289
Vivino
95 Points White Wine Enthusiast
The classed development, whose vineyard is in the south of Pauillac, is now performing remarkably. This release has succulent black fruits that are braced with tannins and a firm, spicy structure. It is a thick white wine that will age. Consume from 2026. Organic. Cellar Selection — R.V.
$65
Total Wine & & More
93 Points White Wine Lover
From the Pez plateau west of the village of Saint-Estèphe, this red wine is dense and structured. Against this, the black fruits and scented acidity offer the red wine lots of pledge. Drink from 2026. Cellar Selection — R.V.
$408/ 12 bottles
Millesima
93 Points Wine Enthusiast
This effective white wine with layers of new wood and dense black fruits is setting out for serious aging. It comes from among the biggest estates in Pomerol, less well known than it ought to be. Consume this red wine that has fantastic prospective from 2026. Cellar Selection — R.V.
$69
Vivino
Editor’s Choice from Bordeaux
94 Points White Wine Enthusiast The wine is thick and concentrated. Its deep black plum fruits and strong tannins have weight and density. The white wine does keep a sense of proportion in its balance and juicy aftertaste. Consume from 2026. Organic and biodynamic. Editor’s Choice– R.V.
$49
Wine.com
93 Points Red Wine Enthusiast
This is a structured white wine with fine tannins that will allow it to age. Black currant fruits and spice come together in a focused bond. The wine requires plenty of time, wait to consume until 2025. Editor’s Choice– R.V.
$30
Vivino
Finest Buy Reds from Bordeaux
92 Points Red Wine Enthusiast This ripe, generous red wine already guarantees well. Company tannins back up the berry fruits and black-coffee flavors. The wine, while young, has everything ready for good aging. Consume from 2026. Best Buy– R.V.
$32
Vivino
Why You Should Trust Us
All items included here are separately chosen by our group, which is comprised of skilled authors and red wine cups and managed by editorial specialists at Wine Lover headquarters. All rankings and reviews are performed blind in a regulated setting and show the criteria of our 100-point scale. Wine Lover does decline payment to carry out any product evaluation, though we might earn a commission on purchases made through links on this website. Prices were precise at the time of publication.
Which Bordeaux Red Wine Region Is the very best?
Hate to break it to you, however “finest” remains in the eye– or white wine glass?– of the beholder. There are approximately 65 appellations within the Bordeaux white wine region, divided into the Left Bank and Right Bank by the Gironde Estuary, where the Dordogne River and the Garonne River meet. The Left-Bank Médoc region is most popular for Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien and Margaux. This bank also consists of Sauternes and Graves. The most famous Right-Bank regions are Saint- Émilion and Pomerol.
What Is Bordeaux’s Most Famous Wine?
Around 85 percent of the wine produced in the Bordeaux region are red wines made mainly with a mix of Red wine and Cabernet Sauvignon. Wines identified Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC can be grown anywhere within the area, while bottles labeled for the particular appellations (like Pessac-Lèognan AOC or Saint-Émilion AOC) tend to be of higher quality and hold a more prominent reputation. This is specifically real when they hold titles referencing a specific chateau or are classified as Grand Cru Classé, Cru Classé or Cru Bourgeois.
Why Is Bordeaux Wine so Costly?
Bordeaux wine is famously pricey; a few of the higher-end white wines originate from renowned chateaus and produce quality puts, making them a pricier choice. But budget friendly and great-value bottlings are definitely readily available.
We Recommend:
- Fusion Air Break-Resistant Bordeaux Wine Glasses
- White Wine Enthusiast 32-Bottle Dual Zone MAX Compressor White Wine Cooler
Published on December 29, 2022