Location and extent
The Bordeaux wine-growing area is located in the Gironde department in the south-west of France. In 2023, viticulture in the Gironde covered around 103,200 hectares of vineyard area. The landscape is divided around the Gironde estuary and the rivers Garonne and Dordogne, whose water systems influence the conditions for wine-growing.
Climate and soils
Bordeaux has a temperate, maritime climate. The influence of rivers and estuary is an important climatic factor in several wine-growing sectors. The landscape comprises river terraces, gravel ridges, limestone plateaus, clay- and limestone-containing slopes, hills, valleys and plains. The soils differ significantly depending on the appellation and location and contain varying proportions of gravel, stones, sand, clay, limestone and silt.
Grape varieties and wine styles
The most important red grape varieties are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. In smaller proportions, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carménère are also used. For white grape varieties, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle are among the most important varieties; they are complemented, among others, by Sauvignon Gris, Colombard, Merlot Blanc and Ugni Blanc. The region produces red, rosé-coloured, Clairet, dry and sweet white wines, as well as Crémant.
Blending and history
The wines are often blended from several grape varieties. Red cuvées combine mainly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, while white blends frequently use Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. The lots are first fermented and matured separately, sometimes in different vessels, before the final blend is created. In the area of Saint-Émilion, wine-growing was introduced during Roman times and intensified in the Middle Ages. The Graves sector is documented as the origin of Bordeaux wine, which was exported to England in the 12th century. Bordeaux is an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée with a geographical area and production requirements defined by an official product specification.
