The world's benchmark for Cabernet- and Merlot-based blends — plus legendary sweet whites.
Split by the Gironde estuary into the gravelly Left Bank (Cabernet Sauvignon) and the clay-rich Right Bank (Merlot), Bordeaux makes everything from everyday claret to the First Growths of 1855. Dry whites from Graves and sweet Sauternes complete the picture.
Country
France
Climate
Moderate maritime
Key grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Areas to know
9
Sub-regions and appellations you'll see on the label.
Pauillac
Home of three First Growths — powerful Cabernet
Margaux
Perfumed, elegant Left Bank
Saint-Julien
Balanced, classic claret
Saint-Estèphe
Firm and structured
Pessac-Léognan
Reds and whites with a smoky, gravelly edge
Saint-Émilion
Right Bank Merlot and Cabernet Franc
Pomerol
Plush, luxurious Merlot
Sauternes & Barsac
Noble-rot sweet wines
Entre-Deux-Mers
Crisp, great-value whites
What goes into the bottle — tap for tasting notes.
Local classics and safe bets.
Say it at the table
“Left Bank means Cabernet — structured and cedary. Right Bank means Merlot — rounder and plusher. Both are built for red meat.”
How Vinosoma trains your staff →Regions worth exploring next.
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Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris
Juicy, joyful Gamay — from glugging Nouveau to serious, age-worthy Crus.
Gamay, Chardonnay
Where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay speak of single vineyards.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay
The original sparkling wine — chalk, cold and patience.
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
France's sunny south — generous reds, great value and a wave of new talent.
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
France's garden — crisp Sauvignon, many-sided Chenin and fresh Cabernet Franc.
Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc
The home of pale, dry rosé — and underrated Mediterranean reds.
Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah
Syrah on the steep northern slopes, generous Grenache blends in the south.
Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre
Vinosoma gives your team tasting notes, food pairings and talking points for every bottle you sell.
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