Bordeaux

Step into the enchanted world of Bordeaux, where wine has been flowing since Roman times, around 60 BC. The region's strategic location along the Gironde estuary made it an ideal hub for wine production and trade. Bordeaux kicked into high gear when Henry Plantagenet wed Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 12th century, opening a floodgate of Bordeaux wine to the English market—cheers to that union!

Bordeaux is a patchwork of sub-regions, each with its own character and charm. The Left Bank, Right Bank, and Entre-Deux-Mers are the headliners here. Think of the Left Bank as the suave Cabernet Sauvignon star, while the Right Bank is the charismatic Merlot hero.

In 1855, Napoleon III requested a classification of Bordeaux’s best wines for the Exposition Universelle de Paris. The result was the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, a list that ranked the top producers, or Châteaux, from the Médoc region (with one exception from Graves – Chateau Haut Brion) into five tiers known as Growths. This classification has become a benchmark of quality, with the top-tier wines referred to as First Growth.

Top Producers: The Royalty of Bordeaux

Chateau Latour: Known for wines that age like fine art
Chateau Cheval Blanc: The Right bank rebel, making waves with Cabernet Franc and Merlot
Petrus: One of the holy grails on the Right Bank, Merlot is the star
Chateau Lafite Rothschild: Their Cabernet Sauvignon is like a velvet sledgerhammer – smooth but makes an impact
Chateau Margaux: A master of elegance and complexity

Bordeaux wines are not just drinks; they’re a journey through history, a dance of tradition and innovation, and an invitation to savour every moment. The World of Wine has a fascination and love for the wines of Bordeaux and we have had the luxury of exploring these wines with some of the oldest experiences as far back as wines from 1928. With over 15 years of experience in Bordeaux En Primeur, we have built strong relationships with the region’s top châteaux, giving us unparalleled access to some of the finest wines.