France : Bordeaux
Bordeaux (or Le Bordelais) is one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world.
Regional AOC appellations of Bordeaux cover the entire territory. Its other appellations are distributed in four distinct sub-regions: Entre-Deux-Mers, Graves and Sauternais, Libourne and Côtes, and Médoc.
edit Facts and figures
- Production area: 72,800 hectares (179,892 acres)
- Annual production average: 425 million liters
- Main varietals (Red): Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carménère
- Main varietals (White): Sauvignon, Muscadelle, Sémillion
edit History
edit Geography and climate
edit Special Bordeaux classifications
Six official classements (classifications) are used in Bordeaux to identify wines of high quality and production standards.
- 61 vineyards of Médoc and Graves are listed since 1855 as Grands Crus classés. That list practically hasn't been modified ever since.
- Another "classement" was created simultaneously for white wines, the Sauternes and Barsac Cru classification, listing 27 vineyards of Sauternes and Barsac which produce some of the best "liqueur" or "golden white" wines.
- The Saint-Émilion Grand Cru classification lists exceptional vineyards located in the Saint-Émilion grand cru appellation.
- The Graves Cru classification lists 16 vineyards in the Pessac-Léognan appellation.
- Two other classifications are used for Médoc wines: the Cru Artisan and the Cru Bourgeois.
edit See also
- Interprofessional Council for Bordeaux Wines - Official site (in English)