Bordeaux wines at Ritschard Weine: a journey through history, terroir and diversity
Bordeaux – a synonym for excellence in the world of wine
Bordeaux is known worldwide as one of the most important wine-growing regions and stands for quality, tradition and an extraordinary variety of wines. Some of the most famous and sought-after wines in the world are produced in the Bordeaux region, which extends around the city of Bordeaux in southwestern France. Bordeaux wines cover a wide spectrum, from powerful reds to elegant whites and sweet dessert wines.
The history of Bordeaux wines
The beginnings of winemaking in Bordeaux
Wine-making in Bordeaux has a long history that dates back to Roman times. As early as the 1st century AD, the first vines were planted in the region. Over time, Bordeaux became an important centre of trade, and winemaking played a central role in the region's economy. Over the centuries, the term ‘Bordeaux wine’ became synonymous with quality and excellence, and the wines from this region quickly gained recognition around the world.
The role of trade in the rise of Bordeaux wines
In the Middle Ages, Bordeaux was an important port that enabled the export of wine to all parts of Europe. The English, in particular, developed a taste for Bordeaux wines, which led to the establishment of many trade links. These trade relations contributed significantly to the spread and reputation of Bordeaux wines.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Bordeaux wine trade experienced a further boom. The construction of châteaux and the development of appellations led to a diversification of wines and cemented the region's reputation as one of the best wine-growing areas in the world.
The introduction of the 1855 classification system
A milestone in the history of Bordeaux wines was the introduction of the 1855 classification system. By order of Emperor Napoleon III, a list of the best wines of the Médoc and Sauternes was created. This classification, which is still in force today, divides the vineyards into different ‘crus’ (growths), with the best wines being designated as Premier Grand Cru Classé. Château Angélus and Château Cheval Blanc are two prominent examples of properties included in this prestigious category.
The Bordeaux wine regions: a diversity of terroirs and styles
Bordeaux is divided into several wine regions, each producing its own distinctive wines. The region within easy reach of Bordeaux is also called the Bordelais.
Médoc: home of great reds
The Médoc, which extends along the left bank of the Gironde, is one of the most famous wine-growing regions in Bordeaux. It is home to some of the most famous red wines in the world, which are mainly made from the grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wines from the Médoc are characterised by their deep red colour, strong tannins and excellent ageing potential.
Within the Médoc, there are several renowned appellations, including St Estèphe, St Julien and Pauillac. These appellations produce wines that are considered the benchmark for Bordeaux wines. The wines from St Estèphe are known for their structure and longevity, while the wines from St Julien impress with their elegance and balance.
Saint-Émilion and Pomerol: the heart of the right bank
On the right bank of the Gironde are the wine-growing areas of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. These regions are best known for their fruity, full-bodied red wines, made mainly from Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Saint-Émilion is famous for its complex and elegant wines, often labelled as 1er Grand Cru Classé.
The Château Cheval Blanc vineyard is one of the most famous in the Saint-Émilion region and produces some of the best Bordeaux wines in the world. Pomerol, although smaller and less well known, also produces outstanding wines that often impress with their opulent fruit and soft tannins.
Pessac-Léognan and Graves: the cradle of Bordeaux white wines
Pessac-Léognan and Graves are the southernmost wine-growing regions in Bordeaux and are known for their wide variety of wines, both red and white. Pessac-Léognan produces some of the best Bordeaux white wines, made from the Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grape varieties. These white wines are characterised by their freshness, minerality and complexity.
Graves, the area from which Pessac-Léognan emerged, is also known for its high-quality white wines, but also produces excellent reds. The soils in these areas are particularly gravelly, which gives the wines a special structure and finesse.
Sauternes: the home of sweet wines
Sauternes, located in the southern part of Bordeaux, is world-famous for its sweet white wines. These wines are made from the Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grape varieties and get their sweetness from noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). Wines from Sauternes are rich in aromas of honey, apricots and exotic fruits and have enormous ageing potential. Château d'Yquem is the most famous vineyard of this appellation and produces some of the most expensive and sought-after wines in the world.
Entre-Deux-Mers: a paradise for Bordeaux white wines
Between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers lies the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region, which is best known for its fresh and lively white wines. These wines, which are mainly made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle, are characterised by their freshness, aromatic intensity and accessibility. Entre-Deux-Mers is also the largest wine-growing area in Bordeaux and produces a wide variety of wines that are ideal for everyday enjoyment.
The grape varieties of Bordeaux: a blend of diversity and tradition
Bordeaux is famous for the wide variety of grape varieties grown in the different wine-growing areas of the region. The main grape varieties used in Bordeaux are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Sauvignon Blanc. Each of these grape varieties brings its own characteristic flavours and properties to the wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon: the queen of Bordeaux reds
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most important grape variety in the Médoc and in many other wine-growing regions in Bordeaux. This grape variety gives the wines a deep colour, strong tannins and excellent ageing potential. Wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon are known for their aromas of blackcurrant, tobacco and cedar wood. They often require several years of ageing to develop their full complexity.
Merlot: the gentle partner
Merlot is the most widely planted grape variety in Bordeaux and plays a central role in the wines of the Right Bank, particularly in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. Merlot brings softness, fruitiness and a lush texture to wines. Aromas of plum, cherry and chocolate are typical of Merlot wines. In cuvées, Merlot complements the often tannic Cabernet Sauvignon, making the wines more accessible and rounder.
Cabernet Franc: the aromatic touch
Cabernet Franc is an important grape variety in Bordeaux, particularly in Saint-Émilion, where it is often used together with Merlot. This grape variety gives the wines aromas of red fruits, herbs and sometimes a subtle hint of bell pepper. Cabernet Franc brings elegance and complexity to the cuvées and contributes to the structure and longevity of the wines.
Petit Verdot: the rare spice
Petit Verdot is a less common grape variety in Bordeaux, but it is used in small quantities in cuvées to give the wines additional colour, structure and spicy aromas. Wines containing Petit Verdot often have a deep colour and aromas of spices, violets and dark fruits. This grape variety is mainly grown in the Médoc and plays a complementary role in Bordeaux cuvées.
Sauvignon Blanc: the freshness of white wines
Sauvignon Blanc is the most important white grape variety in Bordeaux and forms the basis for many of the region's best white wines. This grape variety is known for its fresh, vibrant aromas of citrus fruits,
green apple and gooseberry, and crisp acidity. Sauvignon Blanc is often blended with Sémillon to create complex and long-lasting white wines that can be enjoyed both young and aged.
The Bordeaux Cuvée: The Art of Blending
One of the most remarkable characteristics of Bordeaux wines is the tradition of blending (cuvée). In contrast to many other wine regions, where wines are made from a single grape variety, it is common in Bordeaux to combine several grape varieties into one wine. This practice allows winemakers to create wines with greater complexity, balance and consistency.
The art of blending wine
Blending grape varieties requires a deep understanding of the characteristics of each variety, as well as the soils and climate in the different growing areas. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and sometimes Petit Verdot are usually used together to create Bordeaux reds. The exact composition of the cuvée varies depending on the appellation, vintage and the winemaker's style.
The ability to get the best out of each grape variety and combine them harmoniously is one of the great strengths of Bordeaux wines. The resulting wines are characterised by their complexity, finesse and longevity.
The role of vintages
Another important aspect of Bordeaux wines is the significance of the vintages. The climate in Bordeaux can vary greatly from year to year, which can lead to significant differences in the quality of the wines. In good vintages, when the weather is ideal, the vineyards produce exceptional grapes that result in wines of outstanding quality. However, in less favourable vintages, the skill of the winemakers can be crucial to producing excellent wines nonetheless.
The Importance of the Appellations in Bordeaux
In Bordeaux, the appellation system plays a central role in the classification and marketing of wines. The region is divided into a large number of appellations, each with its own rules and regulations. These appellations guarantee the origin and quality of the wines and help consumers understand the diversity of Bordeaux wines.
The great Médoc appellations
The Médoc is divided into several famous appellations, including Pauillac, Margaux, St Estèphe and St Julien. These appellations are known for their red wines, which are made from the classic Bordeaux grape varieties. The wines from Pauillac are known for their power and structure, while Margaux is appreciated for its elegance and delicacy.
Saint-Émilion and its classification
Saint-Émilion is one of the few Bordeaux appellations to have its own classification system. The wines from Saint-Émilion are re-evaluated every ten years and divided into different classes, with the highest distinction being the Premier Grand Cru Classé. This classification is a sign of outstanding quality and highlights the best vineyards in the appellation.
Pessac-Léognan: an appellation with diversity
Pessac-Léognan is a relatively young appellation that has quickly gained in importance. It is known for its high-quality red and white wines and includes some of the best vineyards in Bordeaux. The wines from Pessac-Léognan are characterised by their complexity, aromatic intensity and longevity.
Sauternes: the queen of sweet wines
The Sauternes appellation is world-famous for its sweet white wines, which are among the best dessert wines in the world. These wines are the result of the noble rot, which shrivels the grapes and concentrates the sugar content. Sauternes wines are golden in colour and offer aromas of honey, dried fruit and exotic spices. They are known for their exceptional aging potential and can be aged for decades.
The role of terroir in Bordeaux
Terroir, the combination of soil, climate and other natural factors, plays a crucial role in the production of Bordeaux wines. The Bordeaux region has a unique variety of terroirs, enabling winemakers to produce wines with different characters and styles.
The soils of Bordeaux
The soils in Bordeaux are very diverse, ranging from gravelly, well-drained soils in the Médoc to calcareous soils in Saint-Émilion and clayey soils in Pomerol. These different soils influence the ripening of the grapes and the development of the aromas in the wine. Gravelly soils are ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon because they provide good drainage and allow the vines to root deeply. Limestone and clay soils, on the other hand, are better suited to Merlot because they regulate the vines' water supply and give the wines more fruitiness and body.
The climate of Bordeaux
The climate in Bordeaux is temperate and strongly influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Summers are warm but not too hot, and winters are mild. The regular rainfall and humid air help to keep the vineyards healthy and promote the growth of the vines. However, the climate in Bordeaux is also prone to extreme weather events, such as late frosts or heavy rainfall, which can affect the quality of the grapes and thus the wines.
The importance of the microclimate
In addition to the general climatic conditions, the microclimates within the individual wine-growing areas also play an important role. These microclimates are influenced by the altitude, the orientation of the vineyards and the proximity to rivers or forests. These factors can create subtle differences in the wine and contribute to the complexity and diversity of Bordeaux wines.
The ageing and maturation of Bordeaux wines
The ageing and maturation of the wines are crucial processes that contribute significantly to the quality and character of Bordeaux wines. Traditionally, Bordeaux wines are aged in oak barrels, which give the wine structure, complexity and additional aromas.
Ageing in barriques
The barrique, a small oak barrel with a capacity of about 225 litres, is the standard container for the ageing of Bordeaux wines. Ageing in barriques allows for a slow oxidation of the wine, which leads to the maturation of the tannins and the development of complex aromas. Depending on the desired style and grape variety, the duration of the maturing process in barriques varies between 12 and 24 months.
The oak from which the barrels are made mostly comes from France, but sometimes also from other European countries. The wood can be lightly or heavily toasted, giving the wines different aromas of vanilla, smoke and spices.
Bottle ageing
After maturing in barrels, the wines are bottled, where they can continue to mature. Bordeaux wines have great ageing potential and can be stored for many years. During the bottle ageing process, the wines develop additional aromas and greater harmony, making them a delight for connoisseurs and collectors.
The importance of Bordeaux wines in the international wine world
Bordeaux wines enjoy an excellent reputation worldwide and are among the most appreciated and sought-after wines in the world. They are synonymous with quality, tradition and elegance and are highly regarded by wine lovers around the world.
Bordeaux wines as a reference in the wine world
Due to their outstanding quality and their great influence on viticulture worldwide, Bordeaux wines are considered the reference for many other wine regions. Many winemakers around the world try to emulate the style and traditions of Bordeaux wines by using similar grape varieties and winemaking techniques. The diversity and emotional associations associated with Bordeaux wines make them particularly appealing.
The Bordeaux wine trade
The wine trade plays a central role in the marketing and distribution of Bordeaux wines. Bordeaux is the centre of one of the largest wine trade markets in the world, and many of the renowned châteaux sell their wines through specialised merchants and auction houses. The Bordeaux wine trade has also helped to spread the region's reputation worldwide, bringing its wines to the shelves of wine merchants and restaurants around the world.
Bordeaux wines as an investment
Bordeaux wines are not only a luxury item, but also a sought-after form of investment. The wines of the best châteaux, particularly the Premier Grand Cru Classé wines, are coveted collector's items that fetch high prices at auctions and in private collections. Investing in Bordeaux wines requires expertise and patience, however, as the value of a wine depends on many factors, including vintage, storage conditions and market demand.