
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.
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Joseph Phelps Insignia 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Cos d'Estournel 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Estephe, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Leoville Poyferre 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Continuum 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Dominus Estate 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, 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 Mouton Rothschild 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Leoville Las Cases 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Tenuta Guado al Tasso 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
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Chateau Canon 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Canon 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Andrew Will Winery Sorella 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Chateau Lafleur 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
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Joseph Phelps Insignia 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Pavie 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Dominus Estate 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Canon 2010Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Angelus 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Ao Yun Shangri-La 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from China
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Dominus Estate (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
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Bond Quella 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Canon 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Dominus Estate 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
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Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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