
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 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 red 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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Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Haut-Brion 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
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Dominus Estate (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
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Joseph Phelps Insignia (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Canon 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Dominus Estate 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
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Arietta H Block Hudson Vineyard Red 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Pontet-Canet 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Cos d'Estournel 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Estephe, Bordeaux, France
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Keenan Mernet Reserve 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California
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Andrew Will Winery Sorella 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Tenuta Guado al Tasso (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
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Verite Le Desir 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Sonoma County, California
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Melka Mekerra 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Futo OV/SL Red 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Melka Metisse Jumping Goat Vineyard 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
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Leonetti Reserve 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Verite La Joie 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Sonoma County, California
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Harlan Estate 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Ornellaia 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
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Sloan Asterisk Proprietary Red Blend 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Larkmead LMV Salon 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Castello dei Rampolla d'Alceo 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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