Bordeaux

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• A oceanic climate thermoregulated by the Atlantic, the Gironde, the Garonne, and the Dordogne; average rainfall of 700–800 mm per year.
• Exclusively Tertiary and Quaternary geology: marls, molasses, and Eocene/Oligocene limestones, plus gravelly and sandy Plio-Quaternary alluvials.
• Gravelly terraces along the rivers: well-drained, warm soils that contrast with the humid, clayey 'palus' lowlands excluded from the appellation.
• The area covers 494 of the 535 communes of the Gironde; the forested southwest (forêt des Landes) is excluded.

• Dry whites based on sauvignon B: floral and citrus aromas, fresh and fruit-driven, best enjoyed young (1–2 years); sémillon B adds body and richness.
• Clairets: deep raspberry colour, ripe fruit aromas, a vinous palate, and a longer finish than other rosés; best consumed young (1–3 years).

• Gravelly soils (gravel, rounded quartz, sand) form well-drained, warm terraces ideal for cabernet-sauvignon N.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF)
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — CIVB