Top 5 red Bordeaux Wine Blends
Bordeaux is an iconic wine growing region, the largest in France. Located in the southwest of the country, it produces everything from table wine to the most expensive, sought-after bottles in the world. Red Bordeaux wine blends are carefully and lovingly crafted from different grapes, each of which has its own unique qualities and characteristics. Let’s sip on some knowledge of these fantastic wines.
Red Bordeaux Wine Blends
Which grapes are used in a quality Bordeaux wine blend?
Cabernet Sauvignon. This grape is high in tannins and can age forever! It is deep, full-bodied, and highly structured. When mature, it is also quite subtle and you will notice more nuanced aromas. In its youth, Cabernet Sauvignon is fresh and forward with black fruit flavors and aromas.
Merlot. Known for being softer, Merlot can help balance out the more austere Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Franc. While Cabernet Franc is a forebear of Cabernet Sauvignon, it is lighter. In a Bordeaux blend, it is more fruit-forward, herbaceous, and crisp.
Petit Verdot. While not a major component of red Bordeaux wine blends, Petit Verdot deepens the color and delivers a fine and unexpected spicy appeal.
Malbec. Used more in Argentina and other wine regions, this is fruity and deep.
Carmenère. Again, this is a more prominent choice in regions like Chile as it is all but extinct in Bordeaux. However, it makes a full-bodied impact.
Best New World Bordeaux Blends
Red Bordeaux wine blends break geographical barriers. Going beyond France, here are five of the best new world Bordeaux blends.
Argentina’s Bordeaux blends favor Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Try Catena Zapata Nicholas Red from the Mendoza Region to experience a new world of taste and intrigue.
Australia boasts a thriving wine growing culture; it’s hot temperatures make it a natural for Shiraz, but its Bordeaux blends are also engaging. Try Woodlands’ Margaret River “Margeret Reserve.”
Chili is the starting point for many of the world’s top Bordeaux blends, and they are heavily influenced by French techniques. Try Errázuriz, Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve.
South Africa has been producing wine for centuries but is considered “new world.” The climate and geography lends itself very well to Bordeaux blends. Try Raats MR Mvemve de Compostela from Raats Family Wines.
Washington, US, is an up and coming wine region, and thanks to its unique terrain and climate, it produces stunningly dynamic wines. Try Thick Skinned Red Mountain.
Treat yourself to a world tour of the best red Bordeaux wine blends. The best place to start is in your own backyard! Try local wines that capture the magic of Bordeaux and add their own unique flair and flavor.