The grape varieties of the great Bordeaux wines: Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.

Bordeaux wines are blended wines whose grape varieties are sometimes forgotten. Three grape varieties dominate the red wines of the great Bordeaux wines: Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Cabernet-Franc. They are often supplemented by petit-verdot, malbec or even carmenère. Although the quality of a wine is measured by the growing conditions, each grape also brings its uniqueness to the different cuvées and plays a definite role in the final bouquet of the wine. To help you better understand the involvement of each grape variety in the harmony of the great wines of Bordeaux, we propose to present the history and the assets of two of them: the Merlot and the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Merlot, a fruity grape variety.

Although it was not recognized until the eighteenth century, Merlot is a grape variety that has grown more and more in plantations in the south of France. Over time, it has become the most widespread in the Bordeaux vineyards. It is also found beyond the French borders, in the United States, in Chile, in Italy or in Australia. Its reputation is well established: it represents more than half of the planted area in the Bordeaux vineyards and dominates in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. Merlot is an early and sensitive variety. It flourishes mainly on clay-limestone soils and gives birth to fruity red wines. It gives aromas of red fruit to wines: strawberry, redcurrant, raspberry or even red cherry are present. Depending on the climatic conditions and the vintage, the notes can be adorned with a jammy expression where touches of violet, sweet spices, leather and prune are mixed. This whole aromatic palette is accompanied in the mouth by a nice roundness, flexibility and little acidity. Wines containing Merlot are colourful, dense and benefit from one of the Bordeaux appellations. The tannins in this grape variety often have good aging potential. Merlot gives all its elegance to wines such as Château Petit Bocq Saint-Estèphe or Blason de l'Evangile. It should be noted that, in principle, a wine made from Merlot is pleasantly tasted when accompanied by an oriental tabbouleh or a fish fillet with capers, for example.

Cabernet-Sauvignon, a grape variety with character.

Another emblematic grape variety of your great Bordeaux wines, Cabernet-Sauvignon represents about 30% of the plantations in the Bordeaux vineyards. Its preferred territory is both in the Médoc and in the Graves. Unlike Merlot, it ripens later and is grown on warm or sandy-gravelly soils for better yields. Like Cabernet Franc, it is a black grape variety that gives the great wines of Bordeaux a purplish-black colour in their youth, then a garnet hue as they age. Cabernet Sauvignon brings all its power and structure to Bordeaux red wines. Generally, these wines are low in alcohol but very tannic with black fruit aromas such as liquorice and blackcurrant, for example. Spicy notes accompany them and, with time, can be added touches of black plum and undergrowth. This grape variety perfumes the vintages with raspberry, pepper, plum, sweet spices and violet flavours. It is also present in the blends of all Bordeaux appellations and particularly those of the Médoc and Graves. Cabernet Sauvignon brings strength and balance to Bordeaux wines like Moulin de Duhart from the Barons de Rothschild estates. France is the world's leading producer of Cabernet-Sauvignon and it is exported very well throughout the world. To perfect your choice among the great wines of Bordeaux, remember to check that the maturing is done in oak barrels as this makes the wine even more supple. Generally, a red wine made from cabernet-sauvignon goes well with dishes such as salmon tartare, shrimps, vegetable lasagna or even grilled red meats.

Forming thousands of hectares, the Bordeaux vineyard has had many assets for centuries. The wine region would also be active since the first century after J-C thanks to the planting of a vine, ancestor of today's Cabernet Sauvignon. Formerly nicknamed "Richelieu's herbal tea", the wines of Graves were even brought to light by the famous marshal. Since then, Bordeaux wines have continued to conquer the world and the taste buds of red wine lovers. Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon wines have greatly contributed to their reputation. We wish you to appreciate all the richness of these aromatic wines at their true value. Do not hesitate to make your choice of great Bordeaux wines from our references carefully selected by our team.