The main families of Bordeaux appellations
Bordeaux is divided into three main wine-growing areas:
- The left bank: Médoc, Graves, Sauternes
- The right bank: Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Fronsac
- Entre-Deux-Mers: large area between Dordogne and Garonne
Each zone has its own identity, largely linked to the nature of the soils (gravel, clay, limestone...) and to the climate.
Médoc: a land of elegance and power
Located north of Bordeaux, Médoc is renowned for its complex, elegant red wines that are perfect for aging, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon.
The major appellations of Médoc
- Médoc & Haut-Médoc
- Saint-Estèphe
- Pauillac
- Saint-Julien
- Margaux
North of Bordeaux is the Médoc, one of the most prestigious wine regions. Its warm gravel soils promote the maturity of Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that gives wines an elegant tannic structure and remarkable aging potential.
Communal appellations such as Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien or Margaux each have their own personality. Saint-Estèphe wines are distinguished by their power and strong structure, while those from Pauillac are among the greatest wines in the world, recognized for their intensity and complexity. Saint-Julien offers a particularly harmonious balance between finesse and depth, while Margaux is characterized by incomparable floral elegance. Together, these appellations make Médoc a real pillar of Bordeaux's prestige.
Les Graves: elegance and diversity
Iconic appellations
- Graves (red and white)
- Pessac-Léognan
Descending to the south, the Graves vineyard reveals another side of Bordeaux. Here, soils composed of gravel bring characteristic freshness and minerality to wines, whether red or white. The Pessac-Léognan area, in particular, has established itself as one of the most prestigious in the vineyard.
Graves red wines can be recognized by their typical smoky notes, their elegance and their ability to age well. Dry whites, on the other hand, are among the most successful in Bordeaux: lively, aromatic and often complex when combined with Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. They appeal to both amateurs and great gourmets.
Sauternes and Barsac: the syrupy jewels
Main appellations
- Sauternes
- Barsac
Within the Bordeaux vineyard, Sauternes and Barsac occupy a special place. These appellations produce exceptional sweet wines, born from a rare natural phenomenon: noble rot, or Botrytis cinerea. This particular development of grapes concentrates sugars and aromas, giving rise to deeply scented wines, with notes of honey, apricot, candied fruits and spices.
Their richness does not prevent them from being balanced by a beautiful acidity, which gives them exceptional longevity. Sauternes and Barsac are the true syrupy jewels of Bordeaux, sought after all over the world.
Saint-Emilion: the sweetness of Merlot and the strength of limestone
On the right bank, Saint-Emilion seduces as much by its medieval village as by the unique personality of its wines. Clay-limestone soils offer ideal terrain for Merlot, which dominates the blends here. Saint-Emilion wines are generally round, generous and velvety, carried by aromas of black fruits, sweet spices and sometimes chocolate. They seduce by their accessibility in their youth, while at the same time having excellent childcare potential for the largest estates. It is one of the most popular appellations for wine lovers who are looking for wines that are both sensual and sophisticated.
Famous for its medieval village classified UNESCO, Saint-Emilion is a major appellation on the right bank.
Pomerol: a confidential region that has become a must
Right next to Saint-Emilion is Pomerol, a small appellation that has gained worldwide fame without ever needing an official classification. Its clay soils, including the famous blue clay, are particularly favorable to Merlot, which finds an expression of exceptional finesse here.
Pomerol wines are renowned for their silky texture, aromatic depth and natural elegance. They often have notes of truffles, violets or ripe black fruits. Intimate in its size but immense in its quality, Pomerol is one of the most desired appellations in Bordeaux.
Fronsac & Canon-Fronsac: the gems of the right bank
A little further west, the Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac appellations also deserve attention. Often less well known than their neighbours, they nevertheless offer wines of very good quality, built around Merlot, fruity, generous and with an excellent quality-price ratio. Their authentic style is attracting more and more fans looking for discoveries in Bordeaux.
Entre-Deux-Mers: the freshness of great dry whites
Between the Garonne and the Dordogne rivers lies Entre-Deux-Mers, a vast region especially renowned for its dry white wines. Here, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon express themselves vividly in wines that are light, aromatic and refreshing. Their notes of citrus fruits, white flowers and exotic fruits make them perfect companions for aperitifs, seafood or summer dishes.
Understanding the appellations of Bordeaux means discovering a region of exceptional diversity. Médoc, Graves, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Sauternes... Each region offers a unique style, shaped by history, geology and the work of men.
At Mähler-Besse, this wealth guides our selection and our passion. Our role is to support you in discovering these exceptional territories, whether they are classified Grands Crus, old vintages or gems that are still confidential.
