Wine Map of France
Bordeaux
The Bordeaux region in southwestern France has been famed in the wine trade for centuries. Bordeaux produces more classified wine than any other region in France . The quality of this wine ranges from some of the best in the world to some that is less than perfect. Bordeaux is most noted for the red wines of exceptional quality that it produces.
The Bordeaux region stradles the Gironde Estuary that is formed when the Garonne and Dordogne rivers converge. It has a rich history and was especially important in the wars between France and England. Bordeaux is also the name of the major city within the region.
Based on the centuries of grape growing and winemaking history in the region, the local regulations allow only six grape varieties to be used in the production of red wine. (You can actually grow whatever you want, but only the 6 authorized red grapes can be used in red wines labeled ' Bordeaux '). Of these grapes, only 5 are really in use today. They are:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Cabernet Franc
- Malbec
- Petit Verdot
For white wines, there are only three grape varieties allowed:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Muscadelle
The major areas of the Bordeaux region are:
- Graves
- Pomerol
- St. Emilion
- the Medoc (with many famous communes)
- Sauternes
- Barsac
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Wine Regions of France
Click on a region to view a description.
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