It’s hardly the most consumer friendly, but if there’s one wine region in the world that you absolutely cannot go through life without giving a fair crack of the whip to, it’s Bordeaux. Think of it as a world of wine in itself, but don’t be daunted by the labels. Get your head around the basics, and you’ll be armed with the essential information. Who knows, it might even prove useful if you decide to take the more practical approach this month with 20% off all Bordeaux wines for the month of April.

Appellations

The appellation contrôlée laws govern production of wine from a specific region. The general regional Bordeaux wines simply come under “Bordeaux AC”. More than half of all red and white production come under this label. Wines of ‘Bordeaux Supérieur AC’ are from lower yields, so should see an improvement in quality.

Specific regional appellations, for which there are more than 50, are a step up again. The most renowned villages or communes will have their own appellations. Margaux and Pauillac are examples.

Geography

The rivers of Dordogne and Garonne flow through Bordeaux. The region is split into ‘left bank’ and ‘right bank’, with the familiar appellations of Medoc and Graves on the west side and St-Emilion and Pomerol on the east side. Entre-deux-mers is a large appellation dominating the centre of the region, between the two rivers.

Grapes

The vast majority of Bordeaux wine is red. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot rule in Bordeaux. These are often accompanied by Cabernet Franc, with Malbec and Petit Verdot also grown. Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc dominate the whites.

Climate

Warms summers and long mild autumns are the key, but too much rainfall can cause havoc. In good years and in the right micro-climate, the perfect ripeness and thus the perfect wines can be achieved.

The essential sub-regions

The Bordeaux wine region is divided into subregions including Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Médoc, and Graves. The 57 Bordeaux appellations and the wine styles they represent are usually categorised into six main families, four red based on the subregions and two white based on sweetness.

Red Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur: These are the “basic” red Bordeaux wines which are allowed to be produced all over the region, and represent the least expensive Bordeaux wines. These wines tend to be fruity, with less influence from oak and are for drinking young.

Red Côtes de Bordeaux: These blends are usually dominated by Merlot. They tend to be intermediate between basic red Bordeaux and the more famous appellations of the left and right bank in both style and quality.

“Right Bank” wines: Again, mainly dominated by Merlot. The two most famous are Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. These wines often have great fruit concentration, softer tannins and are long-lived.

Red Graves and Médoc or “Left Bank” wines: Blends made up primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Merlot. These wines are concentrated, tannic, long-lived and most of them meant to be cellared before drinking.

White wines: Dry white wines are made throughout the region, and in several locations and appellations, sweet white wine is made from Sémillon, Savignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes affected by noble rot. The best-known of these appellations is Sauternes.

20% off all Bordeaux wines for the month of April (prices discounted at checkout)