
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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San Simeon Stormwatch Estate Reserve Red 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Chateau Lascombes 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Margaux, Bordeaux, France
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Inama Bradisismo 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Veneto, Italy
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Shafer TD-9 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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DAOU Vineyards Soul of a Lion 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Adelaida District, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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High Dive Napa Valley Red Blend 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Tenuta di Biserno Il Pino 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Grounded Wine Co. Steady State Napa Valley Red 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Finca Decero The Owl and The Dust Devil 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Mendoza, Argentina
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Robert Mondavi Maestro 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Spoken Barrel Meritage Red Blend 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Casarena Estate Red 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Mendoza, Argentina
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J. Lohr Cuvee St. E 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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J. Lohr Cuvee POM 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Mullan Road Cellars Red Blend 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from South Africa
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Buscado Vivo o Muerto El Manzano Chacayes 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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Flora Springs Trilogy 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Ferrari-Carano Tresor 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Sonoma County, California
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Catena D.V. Catena Tinto Historico Red Blend 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Mendoza, Argentina
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Chateau Beychevelle 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Campo alle Comete Bolgheri Superiore 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
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Flora Springs Trilogy (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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