Cabernet Sauvignon
The dominant grape of the Left Bank Medoc, responsible for Bordeaux's legendary structure and longevity. High in tannin and cassis-driven fruit, it excels on well-drained gravel over clay subsoil.
The grapes that define Bordeaux: the canonical varietals and how the region expresses them.
Canonical grapes of Bordeaux
Merlot
The dominant grape of the Right Bank and the most widely planted variety across all of Bordeaux. In Pomerol on the blue clay plateau it produces Petrus and Le Pin; in Saint-Emilion on limestone and clay-limestone it gives wines of opulence and structural complexity. Ripens earlier than Cabernet, making it more reliable in cooler vintages. Plummy, velvety fruit with lower tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Franc
The parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc comes into its own on the Right Bank and in Pessac-Leognan. Cheval Blanc is 52% Cabernet Franc, Ausone 55%; Lafleur splits equally between Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Petit Verdot
A late-ripening blending grape used in small percentages across the Left Bank for its deep colour, violet aromas and firm tannins. Rarely bottled as a varietal wine in Bordeaux.
Semillon
The noble white grape of Bordeaux, central to both Sauternes botrytised dessert wines and dry white blends of Pessac-Leognan. Its thin skin makes it susceptible to botrytis cinerea noble rot, concentrating sugar, glycerol and honeyed complexity. In dry white blends it contributes weight, waxy texture and lanolin; Sauvignon Blanc provides the aromatic lift. Chateau d'Yquem produces around 80% Semillon.
Sauvignon Blanc
A key aromatic variety in Bordeaux blanc blends, providing citrus, grass and gooseberry lift alongside the richer, more textured Semillon. Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux is a rare 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Medoc.
Muscadelle
A minor but aromatic blending grape used in small quantities in both Sauternes sweet wines and dry white Bordeaux blends. Adds floral, muscat-like notes and aromatic complexity.
Malbec
Once widely planted in Bordeaux under the name Cot, Malbec is now a minority blending grape appearing in Cotes de Bourg and some satellite appellations. Before the 1956 frost it was more prevalent on the Right Bank.
Signature Grapes in Bordeaux, FAQ
When is the best time to visit Bordeaux for wine?
Peak wine-travel season in Bordeaux is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.
Do I need an appointment to taste at Bordeaux estates?
classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.
What hours do Bordeaux cellars and tasting rooms keep?
most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.
How does tipping work at Bordeaux tastings?
tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.
What is the one wine to try in Bordeaux?
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Bordeaux rewards trust.