Bordeaux wine

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Bordeaux wine region map

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Sémillon grapes at Château Doisy-Védrines, Barsac, Sauternes

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France in the 12th century

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Cars, Gironde

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Vineyard in Pauillac

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Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Château Cos D'Estournel

Bordeaux wine is a type of wine produced in the Bordeaux region of France. The region is one of the largest wine-growing areas in the world, producing a vast array of wines from different grape varieties and wine styles. Bordeaux wines are renowned worldwide for their quality and diversity, and the region is home to many of the world's most famous wine estates.

History

The history of Bordeaux wine dates back to the Roman times when the first vineyards were planted. The region's location near the Garonne River and its tributaries provided an ideal environment for viticulture. The Bordeaux wine industry grew significantly in the Middle Ages, with the establishment of the region's first wine guilds and the development of trade routes that allowed Bordeaux wines to be exported across Europe.

Geography and Climate

The Bordeaux region is located in the southwest of France, near the Atlantic coast. The region's climate is classified as oceanic, with mild winters and warm summers. The region's geography is characterized by its rivers and rolling hills, which provide a variety of microclimates and soil types that contribute to the diversity of Bordeaux wines.

Wine Styles and Grape Varieties

Bordeaux wines can be broadly categorized into red wines, white wines, and sweet wines. The region is best known for its red wines, which are typically blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. White Bordeaux wines are primarily made from Sémillon, Sauvignon blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. The region also produces sweet wines, most notably from the Sauternes appellation.

Appellations and Classification

The Bordeaux region is divided into several appellations, each with its own regulations regarding grape varieties and wine production methods. The most famous appellations include Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, and Graves. In 1855, a classification system was established to rank the region's top wine estates, known as the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.

Gallery

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  Merlot grapes being sorted at Château Kirwan
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  Château Pichon Longueville
• Château d'Yquem
  Château d'Yquem
• Château Cheval Blanc
  Château Cheval Blanc
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  Pétrus
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  Château Margaux exterior

See Also

• French wine
• Wine region
• Viticulture
• Wine tasting

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