
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.
- Cabernet Sauvignon104
- Pinot Noir64
- Bordeaux Red Blends50
- Sangiovese44
- Other Red Blends38
- Tempranillo33
- Nebbiolo27
- Syrah/Shiraz26
- Rhône Blends25
- Malbec18
- Cabernet Franc11
- Grenache10
- Merlot10
- Zinfandel8
- Petite Sirah4
- Tuscan Blends4
- Carignan3
- Montepulciano3
- Mourvedre3
- Other Red Wine3
- Carmenere2
- Petit Verdot2
- Blaufrankisch2
- Mencia2
- Barbera1
- Cinsault1
- Negroamaro1
- Primitivo1
- Grignolino1
- Nerello Mascalese1
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Sur de los Andes Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Premium Blend 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Mendoza, Argentina
- WE
- JS
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Flora Springs Trilogy 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- JS
- TP
- WW
- JD
- WE
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Chateau Haut-Batailley 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- JS
- JD
- WS
- RP
- D
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I Collazzi Toscana Collazzi 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- V
- RP
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Chateau Bellegrave 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- WE
- JS
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Petra Toscana Rosso 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
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Castello di Bolgheri Bolgheri Superiore 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- RP
- D
- WE
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Keever Vineyards and Winery Inspirado Red Wine 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JD
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Hamel Isthmus 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WE
- RP
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Chateau Paradis Casseuil 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Charmant 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Margaux, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Pape Clement 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
- JS
- WS
- WE
- RP
- JD
- D
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L'Ecole 41 Seven Hills Vineyard Perigee 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- JS
- RP
- WE
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Sena 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Aconcagua Valley, Chile
- JS
- D
- RP
- WS
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Frescobaldi Nipozzano Mormoreto 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- WE
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Ziata Mia Madre Red Blend 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Pellet Estate Henry's Reserve 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- WW
- V
- JD
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White Rock Vineyards Claret 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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San Simeon Stormwatch Estate Reserve Red 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- WE
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Chateau L'Evangile Blason de L'Evangile 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
- JS
- JD
- D
- RP
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Chateau Larose Perganson 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Haut Medoc, Bordeaux, France
- WE
- JS
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Neyen Espiritu de Apalta 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile
- JS
- WS
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Figgins Estate Red Wine 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- JS
- JD
- RP
- WE
- WS
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CARO 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
- WW
- W&S
- RP
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Palazzo California Left Bank Red Wine 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- JD
- RP