
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.
- Cabernet Sauvignon556
- Pinot Noir552
- Bordeaux Red Blends525
- Other Red Blends248
- Tempranillo155
- Rhône Blends139
- Syrah/Shiraz124
- Malbec122
- Sangiovese106
- Merlot102
- Zinfandel78
- Nebbiolo64
- Grenache46
- Cabernet Franc44
- Gamay27
- Tuscan Blends25
- Barbera19
- Petite Sirah16
- Mourvedre14
- Carmenere13
- Other Red Wine13
- Carignan9
- Dolcetto9
- Aglianico8
- Montepulciano8
- Primitivo8
- Mencia8
- Pinotage5
- Corvina4
- Cinsault3
- Negroamaro3
- Nero d'Avola3
- Agiorgitiko3
- Bonarda2
- Tannat2
- Nerello Mascalese2
- Sagrantino2
- Zweigelt2
- Petit Verdot1
- Touriga Nacional1
- Alicante Bouschet1
- Blaufrankisch1
- Frappato1
- Freisa1
- Gaglioppo1
- Grignolino1
- Refosco1
- St. Laurent1
- Xinomavro1
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Chateau Lestage 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Listrac, Bordeaux, France
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Sur de los Andes Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Premium Blend 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Mendoza, Argentina
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Bernardus Marinus Estate 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Carmel Valley, Monterey, Central Coast, California
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San Simeon Stormwatch Estate Reserve Red 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Shannon Ridge Buck Shack Red 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Lake County, North Coast, California
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Rutherford Hill Barrel Select Red Blend 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Dalem (Futures Pre-Sale) 2020Bordeaux Red Blends from Fronsac, Bordeaux, France
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Chalk Hill Estate Red 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, California
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Chateau de Monbadon 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Cotes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France
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Brancaia Ilatraia 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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J. Bookwalter Conflict Red 2019Bordeaux Red Blends from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Decoy Red 2019Bordeaux Red Blends from California
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Blackbird Vineyards Arise Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Langoa Barton (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Inglenook Rubicon 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Lancaster Estate Winemaker's Cuvee 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Chappellet Mountain Cuvee Proprietor's Blend 2020Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau L'Evangile 2019Bordeaux Red Blends from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Lalande 2019Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Esprit de Pavie 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Mauvesin Barton (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from Moulis, Bordeaux, France
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Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Opus One (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Haut-Brion 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
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Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret 2019Bordeaux Red Blends from California