Bordeaux Red Blends

Red wines from Bordeaux are almost always blends thanks to the traditional local practice of combining different grape varieties to produce a complex, perfectly-balanced wine. The two dominant grapes in Bordeaux are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot which are commonly blended together with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot producing the best red Bordeaux vintages.

Key Regions For Bordeaux Red Blends

Bordeaux is typically split into two areas according to which side of the Gironde River they fall. Red Bordeaux from the Left Bank usually has more Cabernet, while Merlot-dominant blends are more popular on the Right Bank. Key appellations from the Left Bank include St-Estephe, Pauillac, St-Julien and Margaux. Appellations to look out for on the Right Bank are Pomerol and St-Emilion. Bordeaux-style red blends are also produced in many of the world's most famous wine regions including the Napa Valley, Chile, and Italy's Super Tuscans like Sassicaia and Tignanello.

Food Pairings For Bordeaux Red Blends

Left Bank Bordeaux tends to have more tannins and an earthy or herbaceous character, and can be more austere when young. They pair well with more intense dishes like steaks, roast beef, and roasted lamb. On the other hand, Right Bank Bordeaux tends to be smoother and less tannic due to the higher proportion of Merlot. Try pairing these with leaner meats like pork or even duck. New World Bordeaux-style blends from Napa or Tuscany tend to be richer and riper, pairing well with full-flavoured barbecued meats and hearty beef stews.