Bordeaux blend

The blends of Bordeaux (or Bordeaux blend) to its initial value is any combination of wine grape varieties for red wines typical of Bordeaux. Apparently, this concept is coined by the British merchants of the 19th century, who used it in relation to themselves varieties, and wines made from them.

The concept of “Bordeaux blend” has never been part of official classifications and not used on the labels (although found on the rear label and is often used by sommeliers and wine experts).

However, in the US there is a related term Meritage (Meritage), which is not only enshrined in law but is a registered trademark.

Red Bordeaux blends (blend) is known for its deep flavour and powerful structure. The descriptions of the aroma of red Bordeaux wines are often featured dark fruits and berries (such as plum and black currant), but otherwise these descriptions are extremely diverse. Strong structure of these wines gives relatively high tannins.

The obligatory ingredients a blend of red Bordeaux are Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Merlot. A large part of Bordeaux blends is actually only one of them. They are supplemented by Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec in different proportions and combinations.

Carmenere is also among the possible ingredients of a Bordeaux blend, but at the present stage in the wineries of Bordeaux are rarely needed. The most notable exceptions: Haut-Bailly, Brane-Cantenac and Clerc-Milon.

In a rapidly evolving wine world, the use of the word “Bordeaux blend” is also changing. But as a product of the Old world, remains a useful concept, allowing the wine world to talk about the wines “Bordeaux blend”, regardless of their actual region.

Flexible and convenient vagueness – the main advantages of the informal concept of “Bordeaux blend”, but they are also its Achilles ‘ heel. If you use it too broadly, the meaning gets lost. Can it be called a Bordeaux blend so if you can add Zinfandel, Sangiovese or Syrah? Without relying on a formal definition, the answer to this question will depend solely on the consensus of those who use this phrase.

While the winemakers of Bordeaux are not open to new varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon only a few centuries), the term remains relatively stable.

The style of red Bordeaux wines entered in the all wine parts of the planet: worldwide claimants to repeat the success of the Bordeaux winemakers. North and South America, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand – all have their incarnation Bordeaux blend. This style is trying to replicate even in North Africa and the middle East.