Bordeaux Blends

Bordeaux is one of the most well-known French wine regions.
But, do you actually know what’s in your Bordeaux?

Whether red or white, Bordeaux wines are mostly blends.
Red Bordeaux are most commonly a combination of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with some Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec grapes. Carmenère can also make an appearance.
White Bordeaux are typically a mix of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. They can also include Colombard, Merlot Blanc, Ondenc, Chenin & Ugni Blanc.

There are three rivers at the heart of the Bordeaux wine region: The Garonne, the Dordogne, and the Gironde Estuary (where the two rivers come together). The right bank of the Dordogne and Gironde has mostly clay soil, which is great for growing Merlot grapes. The left bank of the Garonne and Gironde has more gravelly soil, which is better for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.
This is helpful to know if you have a grape preference. We’re bigger Cabernet fans in my family, so here’s a trick I share with them: your left hand forms a “C,” so if you prefer Cabernet Sauvignon, buy Bordeaux wines from the left bank.

Another thing to remember: Bordeaux isn’t always expensive, just because it’s French. Here are some of my favorite red Bordeaux blends at a range of price points, most of them available on wine.com: Château Gloria ($49.99), Château Pape Clément ($99.99), Château Smith Haut Lafitte ($149.97), Château Cantemerle ($34.99), Château Beaumont ($19.99), Château Grand-Puy-Ducasse ($39.99). Château Meyney ($34.97), Château Prieuré-Lichine ($44.99), Château Phélan-Ségur ($49.99), Château Léoville Barton ($109.99).