
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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Chateau Lynch-Bages 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Kirwan 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Margaux, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Ausone 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Betz Family Winery Clos de Betz 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Chateau Clinet 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Leoville Poyferre 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Pontet-Canet 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Haut-Bailly 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
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Le Dome 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Duhart-Milon 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron Les Tourelles de Longueville 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Leoville Las Cases 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Latour 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Gruaud Larose 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Brane-Cantenac 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Margaux, Bordeaux, France
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Vieux Chateau Certan 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Haut-Brion 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Beausejour Duffau-Lagarrosse 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Gazin 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Troplong Mondot 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Canon 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Joseph Phelps Insignia 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Angelus 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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