
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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Opus One (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Dominus Estate 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Barde Haut 2014Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Pavie Macquin 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Gaja Ca'Marcanda Magari 2019Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
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Chateau Duhart-Milon 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
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Darioush Caravan Red 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau L'Evangile 2019Bordeaux Red Blends from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Faugeres 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Clos Apalta 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile
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Rudd Oakville Estate Proprietary Red 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Robert Mondavi Maestro (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Brancaia Ilatraia 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Chateau Gigault Cuvee Viva 2015Bordeaux Red Blends from Bordeaux, France
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Chateau La Grave a Pomerol 2011Bordeaux Red Blends from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
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Inglenook Rubicon 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Chateau L'Evangile (Futures Pre-Sale) 2020Bordeaux Red Blends from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Branaire-Ducru 2009Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Lalande 2019Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Poliziano Le Stanze del Poliziano 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Charles Krug Family Reserve Generations 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Argentiera Villa Donoratico Bolgheri 2019Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
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Delaire Graff Botmaskop 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Stellenbosch, South Africa
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