Discovering Bordeaux Wines: A Guide to the Right Bank, Left Bank, Futures, White Bordeaux, and Sweet Wines

Bordeaux wines are among the most famous and highly-regarded wines in the world. With over 7,000 wine-producing chateaux in the region, Bordeaux has a lot to offer both the novice and the seasoned wine lover. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different styles of Bordeaux wines, including the right bank and left bank Bordeaux, talk about Futures (En Primeur), white Bordeaux, and sweet wines. We’ll also recommend some producers that you can find on our website, 305wines.com.

Right Bank vs. Left Bank Bordeaux

Bordeaux is divided into two main regions: the right bank and the left bank. The right bank is home to the Merlot-dominant appellations of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol, while the left bank is home to the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant appellations of the Médoc and Graves.

Right Bank Bordeaux wines are typically full-bodied, rich, and fruity, with softer tannins than their left bank counterparts. Some popular producers of right bank Bordeaux wines include Chateau Canon-La-Gaffeliere, Chateau Cheval Blanc, and Chateau Angelus.

Left Bank Bordeaux wines are generally more structured and tannic, with flavors of cassis, tobacco, and leather. The wines from the left bank are typically known for their ability to age for several decades. Some popular producers of left bank Bordeaux wines include Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, Chateau Latour, and Chateau Margaux.

Futures

Futures, also known as en primeur, is a system of buying Bordeaux wines before they are bottled and released to the market. The Futures system allows buyers to purchase the wines at a lower price than they would be able to once the wines are released to the market.

Futures are typically released in the spring, following the harvest the previous fall. The wines are sold in barrel samples, and buyers must commit to purchasing the wine before it is bottled and shipped to them. Futures can be a good investment for collectors who are looking for high-quality Bordeaux wines at a lower price point.

Please consult our team at info@305wines.com to buy Bordeaux Futures.

White Bordeaux

While Bordeaux is mostly known for its red wines, the region also produces some excellent white wines. White Bordeaux wines are typically blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes, with a small percentage of Muscadelle.

White Bordeaux wines are known for their crisp acidity and bright fruit flavors. Some popular producers of white Bordeaux wines include Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Chateau Carbonnieux, and Chateau Haut-Brion.

Sweet Wines

Bordeaux is also home to some of the world’s best sweet wines. The most famous of these is Sauternes, a region in the Graves appellation that produces sweet wines made from botrytis-affected grapes. Botrytis, also known as noble rot, is a fungus that affects grapes and concentrates their sugars, resulting in rich and complex sweet wines.

Sauternes wines are known for their honeyed, apricot flavors and their ability to age for several decades. Some popular producers of Sauternes wines include Chateau d’Yquem, Chateau Suduiraut, and Chateau Climens.

Bordeaux Wines on 305wines.com

At 305 Wines, we offer a wide selection of Bordeaux wines from some of the region’s top producers. Some of the producers that you can find on our website include:

1. Chateau Palmer: This third-growth estate is located in Margaux, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. Known for producing some of the finest wines in the Médoc, Chateau Palmer is particularly celebrated for its rich, velvety texture and complex flavor profile.
2. Chateau Lafite-Rothschild: One of the most famous and sought-after wine producers in the world, Chateau Lafite-Rothschild is located in Pauillac on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. The estate produces some of the most expensive and collectible wines in Bordeaux, characterized by their deep, intense fruit flavors, firm tannins, and exceptional aging potential.
3. Chateau Margaux: Another top-rated producer from the Margaux appellation, Chateau Margaux is renowned for its elegant, refined wines with a distinctive floral aroma. The estate is particularly famous for its Grand Vin, which is considered one of the greatest wines in the world.
4. Chateau d’Yquem: This prestigious estate is located in the Sauternes appellation and produces some of the most sought-after sweet wines in Bordeaux. Chateau d’Yquem’s wines are characterized by their luscious, honeyed flavors, exceptional balance, and unparalleled aging potential.
5. Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte: Situated in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is a leading producer of white Bordeaux wines. The estate is known for its fresh, vibrant white wines with a lively acidity and a complex bouquet of fruit and floral aromas.

We also specialize in sourcing old vintages in Bordeaux. Talk to our team about it!