
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.
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Chateau Cheval Blanc (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Margaux (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from Margaux, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Lafite Rothschild (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Malescot St. Exupery (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from Margaux, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Lynch-Bages (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Lafite Rothschild (Futures Pre-Sale) 2020Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Mouton Rothschild (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste (Futures Pre-Sale) 2020Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Palmer (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from Margaux, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Pavie Macquin 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Leoville Barton (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou (6-Pack OWC Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Les Carmes Haut Brion (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Canon (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Leoville Las Cases (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Haut-Bailly 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Figeac (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Pavie (Futures Pre-Sale) 2020Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Duhart-Milon 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Domaine de Chevalier (Futures Pre-Sale) 2020Bordeaux Red Blends from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
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Tour Saint Christophe (Futures Pre-Sale) 2020Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Lassegue 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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