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Bordeaux Spreads Around the World

Even if you don't know it, Bordeaux has probably had an influence on the wines you drink. Long the most famous single wine region in the world, Bordeaux has been the role model for winemakers in California, Australia, South Africa, and even other parts of Europe like Piedmont and Tuscany.

In the late 1800s, Bordeaux, like many wine regions, was attacked by a louse called phylloxera, which devastated the vineyards. As winegrowers replanted, they neglected a few grapes that they found difficult to grow - Malbec among them. Fortunately the grape had already emigrated elsewhere and has found a new home in Argentina. The Southern Hemisphere has been very hospitable for Malbec, and it's become the Argentina's signature grape. With its dark fruit flavors and a touch of spiciness, it's easy to see how it might have once been part of a Bordeaux blend.

A lot of the influence is in the grapes.

As with most French wines, you won't see their names on the labels, but the red wines of Bordeaux are all made with blends of some pretty popular grapes. Merlot is actually the most planted grape in the area, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The Left Bank - if you're looking at a map of Bordeaux, it's the area west of the river, often called the Medoc - is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, which grows well in the gravelly soils. The Right Bank has a lot more clay, making the soil cooler and better for Merlot and Cabernet Franc, which ripen earlier even in the cooler environment. From the two halves of Bordeaux, Cabernet and Merlot have spread to California, Washington, Australia, and almost anywhere else interested in making full, rich wines..

Bordeaux dry white wines are made exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle grapes. As with the reds, each varietal adds something special. Sauvignon Blanc is the dominant grape for the best dry white wines and is also used to add acidity to some sweet blends. It produces crisp, clean, medium-bodied wines with full, fruity flavors and often grassy, herbaceous and citrus bouquet. Sauvignon Blanc crosses the New World and Old World frequently and is a popular grape in South Africa, New Zealand and California.

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