In the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in France, Bordeaux is a must for any wine connoisseur.
Bordeaux wine is not restricted to the city for which it is named after but encompasses the entirety of the surrounding Gironde department along the estuary.
Its vast expanse of vineyards cover a total area of 120,000 hectares, making it the largest producer of wine in all of the French Republic.
History
The region has a long-standing history with wine dating back centuries. It is believed that wine was first introduced in the area as far back as the mid-1st century by the Romans.
Fast forward to the 12th century and the region’s popularity was increased via the marriage of King Henry II to Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152.
Subsequently, wine from Bordeaux was exported to England with the principal style being clairet, which in turn accounts for the ubiquity of claret in England.
Terroir
Although somewhat of a disputed term, the word ‘terroir’ widely refers to a set of environmental factors, such as climate, soil and geomorphology, that can either contribute or hinder the production of wine.
The area’s unique location in regards to climate and soil-type play a huge role in the success of the Bordeaux wine region.
The main soil types consist of gravel and clay-limestone and are rich in nutrients whilst the Gironde estuary and its tributaries (Garonne and the Dordogne rivers) also help to irrigate the land.
The area’s oceanic type climate means that the region benefits from relatively warm weather with plenty of sunshine.
However, its proximity to the sea leaves it vulnerable to strong winds and heavy downpours. It also suffers from high levels of humidity.
Grapes, wines and vineyards
Due to the region’s at times unpredictable weather, producing wine from a single grape variety would be too risky. As such, the region’s wine is produced via a blend of several grape varieties.
The quality of Bordeaux wine ranges from table wine to some of the most prestigious and finest varieties of Reds and dry Whites.
According to the grape escape website, there are a total 13 grape varieties which are permitted under the Bordeaux AOC regulations.
The Merlot is the most widely produced grape in the region. It is said that on its own the wine would lack character. However, when blended with other types of grapes, it softens and adds a richness to the wine.
Many forums that speak of the Bordeaux region make specific mention of the Medoc vineyards. Located just south of the Gironde estuary near to the tip of the small peninsula, the Medoc area is home to some of France’s most famous wines.
Top wines from the Medoc vineyards bear the classification of grand cru
Some of the famous appellations produced in the area are Saint Estèphe, Margaux, Saint Julien and Pauillac.
The Cabernet-Sauvignon is the second-most widely planted grape variety and is prominent in the Haut-Medoc vineyards and also has a considerable presence in the surrounding châteaux.
The finest of wines can have a blend that consists of up to three-quarters Cabernet Sauvignon.
Other famous and notable blends and or grape varieties from the region are Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle to name but a few.
Although the French wine industry has suffered over the last couple of decades - - wine from the Bordeaux region is still in good supply and in high demand.
On average, over 7000 million vintages of Bordeaux wine are made by approximately 8,500 producers or chateaux.
Its prime location, culture of wine combined with its numerous and relatively affordable selections of wine tours available make this area a must see on your next ‘grape escape adventure’.
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