Great Bordeaux Wines

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Bordeaux grape varieties

The red Bordeaux grape varieties : Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec et Carmenère.


The white Bordeaux grape varieties : Sémillon, Sauvignon et Muscadelle

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Muscadelle

Muscadelle is a white grape variety from the Bordeaux region. It is the least important Bordeaux grape variety. In contrast to Sauvignon, Muscadelle is less and less used in the making of Bordeaux wines because of its fragile nature, which means it is not always resistant to botrytis bunch rot. Muscadelle is identified by its medium-sized clusters and grapes of relatively bright yellow colour.
It contributes a strong, musky aroma with white flower notes.

The others Bordeaux grape varieties

The red :
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet franc
- Merlot
- Petit Verdot
- Malbec
- Carménère

The white :
- Sauvigon
- Sémillon

Sémillon

Sémillon is a white grape variety from the Bordeaux region. This variety accounts for the majority of grapes used in white Bordeaux wines and it is found in large quantities in Sauternes and Barsac wines. Sémillon is composed of large clusters with large, quite pale yellow grapes.
For the best results, this variety needs morning mists and lots of sun in the afternoon. Sémillon produces excellent sweet wines which should be kept for long periods in order to be fully appreciated. This variety produces full-bodied wines, adding, (over time) notes of citron, spices and dried fruits.
Sémillon becomes even better thanks to botrytisation (noble rot) which results in an impressive concentration of sweetness and aromas.

The others Bordeaux grape varieties

The red :
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet franc
- Merlot
- Petit Verdot
- Malbec
- Carménère

The white :
- Sauvignon
- Muscadelle

Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot is a red grape variety from the Bordeaux region. It is not always present in Bordeaux wine blends due to the great difficulty it has in fully ripening – it is typically the last variety to be harvested. Petit Verdot produces tannic, fragrant wines, full-bodied with an intensely coloured robe.
Petit Verdot takes the form of very small clusters of very dark, thick-skinned grapes..

The others Bordeaux grape varieties

The red :
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet franc
- Merlot
- Malbec
- Carménère

The white :
- Sauvignon
- Sémillon
- muscadelle

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