Our Bordeaux wines
Our Bordeaux wines
Bordeaux is about more than just the big labels. Between the Garonne and the Dordogne, we have chosen family estates, tiny vineyards, and winemakers who are shaking up the status quo. Fleshy Merlot from the Right Bank, Cabernet Sauvignon from the gravelly soils of the Médoc, dry whites from the Entre-deux-Mers: every bottle tells the story of a specific terroir. And for something off the beaten path, try the cuvées from La Micro Winerie, vinified in the heart of the city.
Our Bordeaux wines
The Bordeaux vineyard in a nutshell
The Bordeaux vineyard stretches across the Gironde department, around two rivers, the Garonne and the Dordogne, which join to form the Gironde estuary. The wines here are most often blends. For reds, you will find Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carménère. For whites, there are Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle. Traditionally, we distinguish the Left Bank, the Right Bank, and the Entre-deux-Mers, between the two rivers, not to mention the regional appellations that cover the entire vineyard.
Left Bank: Médoc, Graves, and Sauternais
On the Left Bank, gravelly soils favor Cabernet Sauvignon. This is where the Médoc, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, and sweet wine appellations are located.
Médoc and Haut-Médoc
The Médoc stretches north of Bordeaux, along the estuary. Its southern part, the Haut-Médoc, is home to the communal appellations of Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Listrac, and Moulis, as well as most of the 1855 classification estates. In Ludon-Médoc, near Margaux, Christine Nadalié runs Clos La Bohème, a 7-hectare Cru Bourgeois and a pioneer of organic farming in the Médoc. Further north, in Valeyrac, Château Bellerive cultivates 15.5 hectares on gravel mixed with clay and limestone, above a layer of alios (iron pan).
Pessac-Léognan and Graves
The Graves region owes its name to its pebble and gravel soils. South of Bordeaux, the Pessac-Léognan appellation produces age-worthy reds and whites. At the gates of the city, Château Luchey-Halde (23 hectares, High Environmental Value certified) crafts its whites on gravel mixed with clay.
Sauternes and Cérons
In the Sauternais, the autumn mists of the Ciron river promote noble rot, which concentrates the grapes. Sauternes, Barsac, and Cérons produce sweet wines from this, mainly using Sémillon. In Cérons, a small appellation neighboring Barsac and Sauternes, Clos Bourgelat has been a family property since 1889. Antoine Lafosse manages 14.91 hectares there, which are HVE (High Environmental Value) certified.
Right Bank: Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Fronsac, and their satellites
On the Right Bank, clay and limestone soils favor Merlot, often blended with Cabernet Franc.
Saint-Émilion and its satellites
Around the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, the vineyard has its own classification. Four satellite appellations surround it: Montagne, Lussac, Puisseguin, and Saint-Georges Saint-Émilion. In 2015, Caroline and Pierre Bécot, of the family behind Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, took over Bernon Bécot: 9 hectares on the upper plateau of Puisseguin Saint-Émilion.
Pomerol and Lalande-de-Pomerol
Neighboring Libourne, Pomerol is a small appellation dominated by Merlot, on clay and gravel soils. It does not have an official classification. Its neighbor, Lalande-de-Pomerol, offers wines in a similar style.
Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac
On the hillsides overlooking the Dordogne, Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac also favor Merlot. With only 50 ares, Clos Candelayres is a true garden of vines, producing a 100% Merlot Fronsac.
Côtes de Bourg and Blaye
Facing the Médoc, on the right bank of the estuary, the Bourgeais and Blayais regions produce reds and whites on clay and limestone. In Saint-Christoly-de-Blaye, the Vignobles Guillaume Guérin work organically and name the Château Moulin Rioucreux vintages after Greek winds, such as Zéphyr, a white Côtes de Bourg made from Sauvignon Gris. In Berson, Château Pinet La Roquette, also organic, blends 60% Merlot and 40% Malbec in L'Esprit N°1, vinified with indigenous yeasts.
Entre-deux-Mers and Graves de Vayres
Between the Dordogne and the Garonne, the Entre-deux-Mers is the land of dry whites. La Peyrière, which means "stony place," grows on soils mixing sand, clay, gravel, and asteriated limestone. On the left bank of the Dordogne, facing Libourne, the Graves de Vayres appellation owes its name to its gravelly soils: Château de Cantelaudette produces C Blanc Réserve, an unctuous white, there.
Bordeaux, Claret, and Crémant: regional appellations
The Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur appellations cover the entire vineyard. Claret is a historical style: a clear, light, and fruity red that made Bordeaux's reputation long before the great age-worthy reds. With its Conception vintage, Château Cajus is bringing it back into the spotlight: an organic wine, 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, to be served chilled. As for bubbles, Crémant de Bordeaux is crafted according to the traditional method. Air de Claret produces a Blanc de Noirs based on Cabernet Franc, from a 30-hectare HVE-certified vineyard.
The new Bordeaux generation
Bordeaux is moving. In the heart of the DARWIN ecosystem, La Micro Winerie is an urban winery where Maxime Rozé vinifies small batches from hand-harvested organic grapes. Grenade highlights Malbec (40%), Zéphyr plays on the freshness of Sauvignon Blanc, Granite attempts a Chenin Blancaged 8 months in barrels, and Magma, aged 12 months, is designed for aging. Other gems await you in our Nouvelle Vagueselection.
What dishes go with a Bordeaux wine?
A Left Bank red, structured by Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs with red meats and game. The Right Bank Merlot, rounder, goes well with roasted poultry or a slow-cooked dish. A chilled Claret pairs with a charcuterie board or summer grills. Dry whites from Entre-deux-Mers and Pessac-Léognan pair with fish and seafood. The sweet wines of Sauternes and Cérons pair with foie gras, blue cheeses, or fruit-based desserts.
To explore other regions, discover our wines of France.
Frequently asked questions about Bordeaux wines
What is the difference between the Left Bank and the Right Bank in Bordeaux?
The Left Bank (Médoc, Graves) sits on gravelly soils favorable to Cabernet Sauvignon. The Right Bank (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Fronsac) sits on clay and limestone, where Merlot dominates.
What are the main grape varieties in Bordeaux?
Red: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carménère. White: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle.
Does Bordeaux also produce white wines?
Yes. Entre-deux-Mers is known for its dry whites, Pessac-Léognan for its age-worthy whites, and Sauternes and Cérons for their sweet wines.
What is a sweet wine from Sauternes?
A sweet white wine, made mostly from Sémillon, whose grapes are affected by noble rot, which concentrates sugars and aromas.
What is a Claret?
A historical style from Bordeaux: a clear, light, and fruity red, served chilled. Château Cajus offers an organic version with its Conception vintage.
Are there organic Bordeaux wines?
Yes. In our selection, Clos La Bohème, Château Pinet La Roquette, Château Moulin Rioucreux, Château Cajus, and La Micro Winerie work with grapes from organic farming.
What is Crémant de Bordeaux?
It is the region's sparkling wine, made using the traditional method. Air de Claret offers a Blanc de Noirs based on Cabernet Franc.
What is La Micro Winerie?
An urban winery located in the DARWIN ecosystem in Bordeaux, where Maxime Rozé vinifies small batches from hand-harvested organic grapes.