The Fab Five
With so much history under its belt, it's no wonder that Bordeaux has figured out the recipe to produce amazing wines. Centuries of making (and drinking) wine has led them to the blend that has become synonomous with Bordeaux. Winemakers in the New World replicated this formula and have created successful blends in their respective areas - you may see Bordeaux blends from the US labeled Meritage (rhymes with heritage).
Notable Facts
Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot,
Cabernet
Franc, Malbec
and Petit Verdot. These five red grapes are the components of a Bordeaux blend.
Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot are usually play the lead role, while
Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot act as the supporting cast. These three
grapes help to add color, structure and body in varying amounts. A Bordeaux blend
typically, but not exclusively, uses at least three of the five grapes to be labeled as such. The
beauty of the blend? Each year the percentage of each grape in the blend can
vary and the winemaker can include more of the variety that excelled in that
particular vintage.
Summing it up
Successful Sites:
Bordeaux, California, Australia, Washington