
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 Mouton Rothschild 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Greysac 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Medoc, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Canon 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Pavie 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Angelus 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Castello dei Rampolla Sammarco 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Chateau Larose Perganson 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Haut Medoc, Bordeaux, France
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Spring Valley Uriah 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
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J. Lohr Cuvee St. E 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Castello di Bolgheri Bolgheri Superiore 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
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Chateau Pavie Macquin 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Haut-Brisson 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Priest Ranch Coach Gun 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Rodney Strong Symmetry Meritage 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Castello dei Rampolla d'Alceo 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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