
Bordeaux Blends
Learn about Bordeaux Blends — taste profile, popular regions and more ...
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired red blends, have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World, especially in California, Washington and Australia. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, these are sometimes referred to in the US as “Meritage” blends. In Bordeaux itself, Cabernet Sauvignon dominates in wines from the Left Bank of the Gironde River, while the Right Bank focuses on Merlot. Often, blends from outside the region are classified as being inspired by one or the other.
Tasting Notes for Bordeaux Blends
Bordeaux Blends are dry, red wines and generally have aromas and flavors of black currant, black cherry plum, graphite, cedar and violet. Cabernet-based, Left-Bank-styled wines are typically more tannic and structured, while Merlot-based wines, modeled after the Right Bank, are softer and suppler. Cabernet Franc can add herbal notes, while Malbec and Petit Verdot contribute color and structure.
Perfect Food Pairings for Bordeaux Blends
Since Bordeaux Blends are often quite structured and tannic, they pair best with hearty, flavorful and fatty meat dishes. Any type of steak makes for a classic pairing. Equally welcome with these wines would be beef brisket, pot roast, braised lamb or smoked duck.
Sommelier Secrets for Bordeaux Blends
While the region of Bordeaux is limited to a select few approved grape varieties in specified percentages, the New World is free to experiment. Bordeaux Blends in California may include equal amounts of Cabernet Franc and Malbec, for example. Occassionally a winemaker might add a small percentage of a non-Bordeaux variety, such as Syrah or Petite Sirah for a desired result.
- Pinot Noir503
- Cabernet Sauvignon494
- Other Red Blends234
- Bordeaux Red Blends227
- Sangiovese129
- Rhône Blends121
- Tempranillo121
- Syrah/Shiraz118
- Malbec81
- Nebbiolo81
- Merlot76
- Zinfandel55
- Grenache38
- Tuscan Blends33
- Gamay27
- Cabernet Franc22
- Barbera15
- Montepulciano13
- Nero d'Avola10
- Aglianico9
- Carmenere9
- Petite Sirah9
- Mourvedre8
- Other Red Wine8
- Mencia8
- Nerello Mascalese6
- Carignan5
- Agiorgitiko5
- Bonarda4
- Cinsault3
- Pinotage3
- Primitivo3
- Corvina2
- Dolcetto2
- Lagrein2
- Negroamaro2
- Gaglioppo2
- Petit Verdot1
- Tannat1
- Touriga Nacional1
- Valdiguie1
- Blaufrankisch1
- Freisa1
- Grignolino1
- Schiava1
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Chateau de Ribebon Bordeaux Superieur 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Bordeaux, France
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Sur de los Andes Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Premium Blend 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Mendoza, Argentina
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Chappellet Mountain Cuvee Proprietor's Blend 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Lestage 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Listrac, Bordeaux, France
- JS
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Dominus Estate 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JS
- W&S
- WE
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Chateau Bourdieu No.1 2019Bordeaux Red Blends from Bordeaux, France
- D
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Chateau Terrasson Cuvee Prevenche 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Cotes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France
- WE
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Chateau Jalousie Beaulieu Bordeaux Superieur 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Bordeaux, France
- WE
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Chateau Rauzan-Segla 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Margaux, Bordeaux, France
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- RP
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- WE
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Clos Apalta 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile
- JS
- RP
- D
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Shafer TD-9 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Ridge Monte Bello 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Santa Cruz Mountains, California
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- W&S
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Orin Swift Cellars Papillon 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Blackbird Vineyards Arise Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Chateau Haut-Brion 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
- JS
- WE
- RP
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Dominus Estate 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
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- JS
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- RP
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Chateau Fage Graves de Vayres 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France
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Justin Isosceles 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Chateau Pavie Macquin 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Greysac 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Medoc, Bordeaux, France
- RP
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Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos Apalta 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile
- JS
- RP
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Chateau Canon 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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- D
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Chateau Clos du Roy 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Fronsac, Bordeaux, France
- RP
- JS
- JD
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Ridge Monte Bello (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Santa Cruz Mountains, California
- JD
- WS
- RP
- W&S
- JS
- D
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Chateau La Cardonne 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Medoc, Bordeaux, France
- JS
- WE