For those who love wine, Bordeaux is a region in Southwest France that has become an inspiration to many of today’s most popular wines. You can call it the “O.G.” since it is also known as the “King of Red Wines”. Allow us to give you a cheat sheet on Bordeaux wines and how you can enjoy it during your next steak night!

What are Bordeaux wines?

Bordeaux or “Bore-doe” refers to a type of wine that originates from Bordeaux, France. It is known to be the largest wine growing region in France and one of the most popular worldwide, comprising 280,000 acres of vineyards, making millions of cases of wine annually. In Southwest France, the union of wine and culture has been alive for centuries and Bordeaux has exemplified the majesty of fine wine. 

The key to understanding Bordeaux wine is understanding a bit of its geography. Bordeaux is split into two parts by a Gironde estuary or a large river where Dordogne and Garonne rivers meet. The split made by the estuary is popularly known as the Left and Right Banks. It might be a little complex but knowing the geography will allow you to know what the wine is and where it’s from. On the left bank, Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape while Merlot rules on the Right Bank. Cabernet Franc plays a strong support in both areas. Today, the Bordeaux market touches nearly every country in the world.

Tasting notes

With different blends, winemaking, and viticulture techniques, chateaux are able to bring out distinctive and memorable wines.

Red Bordeaux wine from the Medoc is usually what most people think of, when talking about the taste of Bordeaux wine. Often deep in colour, ranging from dark ruby to almost black, the taste of Bordeaux wines from the Left Bank delivers fruit scents and flavours of blackberry, dark cherry, vanilla, coffee bean, spice, and licorice. These wines are often concentrated, strong, firm, and tannic. Tannic is present in all wines. Tannic acid adds structure and allows wine to age and develop layers of complexity. 

While in the Right Bank, the taste is a little different due to the Merlot. The Right Bank delivers a taste of licorice, chocolate, black cherry, plum, spice, vanilla, smoke, blueberry, and jam flavours. Merlot dominated wines are lower in acidity. These wines feel richer, softer, and can be a little bit silky. 

Bordeaux Wine Recommendation

1. Clarendelle by Haut Brion Rouge 2015 750ml, P1,500

Origin: Pessac-Leognan

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc 

Taste Notes: The wine has a deep color and soft bouquet of liquorice and blackcurrant. It has violet and slightly toasty nuances on the palate. The texture is velvety and flavour altogether powerful and elegant. There is a wonderful refined balance between high-quality tannin, concentration, tension and freshness. 

2. Chateau Truquet 2018 Saint-Emilion 750ml, P1,400

Origin: Saint-Emilion

Grape Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

Taste Notes: It has a ruby red color with deep concentration. It is fresh and inviting on the palate, then fills the mouth well with structured tannins, and gradually leaves with fruit and spices on final note

3. Secret de Grand Bateau 2016 750ml, P1,800

Origin: St-Julien, Medoc

Grape Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

Taste Notes: Deep purple color with red tips and beautiful legs. Nose of blackberry and oak with a hint of cocoa. Opening of black fruit with burnt toast, slate and dark chocolate. Full bodied and above average acidity with firm tannins that emerge quickly and linger long.

Recommended Serving Temperature: 16-18 C.