Bordeaux Vineyard – Bordelais
The Bordeaux Vineyard, or Bordelais, stands as one of France’s most esteemed wine regions, counted among the 16 great vineyards and spanning 120,000 hectares, the largest wine-producing region globally.
Its history of viticulture dates back centuries, benefiting from an environment uniquely suited to grape cultivation.
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde Estuary, the Bordeaux Vineyard enjoys a climate moderated by these two bodies of water. Acting as a thermal buffer, they create a micro-climate ideal for grape growing. The region basks in ample sunlight and refreshing breezes, largely shielded from late spring frosts and fungal diseases. Mild winters, sun-drenched autumns, and the ocean’s moisture further enhance these favorable atmospheric conditions.
The diversity of soils within the Bordeaux region is equally crucial to its wine-making prowess. Ancient seas that once covered the area left behind a rich tapestry of soils. Limestone dominates the slopes around Bourg and Blaye on the north bank of the Gironde, while the south bank features limestone overlaid with gravel deposits. Marshes formed in other areas, with clay-rich soils isolated by alluvial belts known as palus.
This intricate interplay of climate and terroir yields an impressive array of wines, each expressing its unique character and charm, making Bordeaux a cherished destination for wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Viticulture introduced by the Romans
The Romans left an indelible mark on Bordeaux some two millennia ago by introducing viticulture to the region. Among the vines they planted was the Albanese vine Biturica, considered the ancestor of all modern French grape varieties.
As early as the 4th century AD, the poet Ausonius lauded the wines of Bordeaux, immortalizing them in verse.
“Ô ma patrie, illustre par tes vins, tes fleuves et tes hommes…” – “To my country, famous for its wines, its rivers, and its people…”
Bordeaux wines have since garnered global acclaim.
This renown is owed to a multitude of factors: the diverse terroirs, encompassing soils and climates; the use of various grape varieties; distinct growing conditions; and the application of unique pruning and winemaking techniques.
Together, these elements yield a vast spectrum of bouquets, colors, fragrances, and qualities, ensuring Bordeaux wines remain cherished and celebrated worldwide.
Bordeaux Vineyard – 6 wine-making areas
The Bordeaux Vineyard spreads in the department of Gironde.
It consists of 6 distinct wine-making areas or vineyards:
Bordeaux Vineyards – Basic facts
1- The Bordeaux Vineyard includes 8650 châteaux.
You’ll recognize the iconic Ausone, Cheval Blanc, Latour, Lafite Rothschild, Petrus, Margaux, Mouton Rothschild and Yquem to name a few!
2- Bordeaux reds and rosés represent 89% of production.
They are a blend of Cabernet-Sauvignon, Cabernet-Franc and predominantly Merlot; they have a fantastic ability to improve with age.
3- Bordeaux whites are made with Sauvignon, Sémillon and Muscadelle.
Dry and sweet whites represent 11% of production, while sweet whites production is limited at 2%.
4- The Bordeaux Vineyard has a total of 57 AOC-AOP and was granted its first Appellation d’Origine Controllée in 1935.
The earliest official classification, which dates from 1855, is still in force and has had only few adjustments.
Bordeaux wines represent 25% of the French total AOC -AOP production.
5- Wine-growers plant rose bushes along their vineyards because the flowers are prone to cryptogamic diseases.
If the rose bush develops the disease, the wine-growers treat their vines immediately in order to avoid destruction.
6- The AOC Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur define all wines produced throughout the Gironde département (which mainly covers the Bordelais region) regardless of the AOC.
Bordeaux Supérieur has higher alcohol content than the Bordeaux, but represents a yield 10% inferior.
7- Still Bordeaux wines can be dry or sweet whites, red (the famous Clairet so much loved by the English) or rosé.
8- Sparkling Bordeaux wines are white or rosé.
9- The AOC Crémant de Bordeaux is produced all over the Gironde department.
10- Finally, Fine Bordeaux, a type of Brandy, comes from the Cognac Region.
Please remember to drink responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk – L’abus d’alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération – Photo via Wikimedia Commons: Map by Domenico-de-ga CC BY-SA 3.0
