Bordeaux red

The Left Bank of Bordeaux produces well-balanced, tannic red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in the finest appellations of the Médoc (e.g. Margaux, Saint Julien, Saint Estèphe and Pauillac) and Graves (e.g. Pessac Léognan). The best red wines from these great Bordeaux appellations benefit from the great Bordeaux wine classification of 1855 (ranging from the 1er cru classé to the 5 th cru classé) and deserve a long ageing to express all their complexity. The price of the best red Bordeaux wines (1er crus classés) is often high, but these great red Bordeaux wines are rare and unique, and their quality seems to justify it. Close to the south of the city of Bordeaux lies the Graves appellation, whose Pessac Léognan wines are the best (Château Haut Brion has the exceptional status of 1er cru Classé in 1855). The grape varieties are identical, but Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are more limited here. The best red wines from Pessac Léognan have a characteristic smoky, cold tobacco and mineral flavour. Thanks to its well-drained soils, this red Bordeaux appellation excels in small vintages such as 1967, 1972, 1974, 1987, 1993, 1994, 1997, 2002 or 2007...

Bordeaux's Right Bank, on the other hand, offers more supple red wines, with bright fruit, made mainly from Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a smaller proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (cf. Saint Emilion or Pomerol), but which can be enjoyed more quickly, even if they also have great ageing potential. The best St Emilions are classified as 1er Grands Crus Classés (4 classified A and 14 classified B in the latest 2012 classification). The Crus Classés A are more powerful. The quality of the vintage is an important factor in Bordeaux, but improvements in the care given to the vineyards and modern winemaking methods have managed to erase the differences (there are no longer any very bad vintages).

The great red Bordeaux vintages are of course the most sought-after (1961, 1982, 1990, 2000, 2005, 2009 and 2010). The best red Bordeaux wines can be kept for several decades (at a temperature of 12/13°C), and patience is recommended to fully benefit from their ageing potential. The simplest food and wine pairings with the best Bordeaux reds are often recommended (roast lamb, braised loin of veal, grilled red meat). With age, small game birds and truffles will be good companions. Red Bordeaux wines can be paired with a few hard cheeses (Gouda and Tomme). The recommended serving temperature for bottles of Bordeaux is 16-18°C.

Discover our great white Bordeaux wines, including the most famous of sweet wines: Yquem!

The great red Bordeaux wines are available at Vins & Millésimes! Grand cru wines and old vintages, always 100% in stock and with fast, secure shipping! Treat yourself by buying wine online on our site: with our great bargains, take advantage of exceptional wines at special prices!