Heralded as one of the world’s most important, bigger, cultural areas. Bordeaux has become a go-to region for collectors. Located in southwest France, this prestigious winemaking region is broken down into two subareas: left bank and right bank.
While both Bordeaux and the surrounding regions are important, it’s crucial to grasp their distinctive characteristics. Bordeaux is situated on the western coast of France, divided by the Gironde Estuary, which further separates into the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers. The viticultural areas, separated by the Gironde, are known as the Left and Right Banks.
The most defining difference between left bank and Right Bank Wines is the assemblage. While Left Bank wines are generally Cabernet Sauvignon. Right Bank wines are dominated by Merlot, Cabernet Franc. Petit Verdot, and Malbec tend to round out blends from both Banks.
(Note: as with many areas that make wine, there are usually some differences to be discovered, but this is generally what happens most of the time).
The reason for the dominant grape varieties being different on both Banks is soil type. While the Left Bank is characterized by gravelly soils, the Right Bank is home to more clay, heavy soils.
Wine Styles
Due to the difference in dominant grape varieties, wine styles greatly differ from the Left Bank and Right Bank. The Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends from the Left Bank tend to be more structured, powerful, and have a higher presence of tannins, whereas Merlot-dominant blends of the Right Bank tend to be softer, silkier, and more approachable in their youth. Left Bank properties also tend to be larger in size than Right Bank estates.
The Left Bank of Bordeaux is home to the Médoc area, which encompasses four of the region’s most prestigious appellations: Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Margaux. The Left Bank is also home to the Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Sauternes, and Barsac appellations.
The Right Bank’s most famous appellations are Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The Right Bank also encompasses other lesser known appellations such as Fronsac, Côtes de Bordeaux, and Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux to name a few.
The most important difference between the left and right banks is the classification system. The most famous classification in the region is the 1855 Classification, created by Napoleon III, which includes the five First Growth Estates of Bordeaux, all located on the Left Bank. Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Growth Estates followed this classification. On the other hand, on the Right Bank, Saint Emilion started using its own classification system back in 1955.
The left bank’s biggest claim of fame is undeniably its prestigious five First Growths, which include Château Latour, Château Margaux, and Château Haut.
Brion, Château, Lafite, and Château Mouton Rothschild. The right banks, biggest names, which are classified as Premiere Grand Cru Classe A Estates, our Château Cheval Blanc, Château Angeles, and Château Pavie. Château Petrus is located in the appellation of Pomerol and arguably the most sought-after Bordeaux of all.
It’s important to remember that this classification happened in 1855. Over the years, many things have changed, and some wines that were ranked as Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Growth would likely have a higher ranking if they were classified today. But that’s a different story.
If you haven’t tried Bordeaux, it’s time to take a serious look at these exceptional wines. Imbibe has the largest selection of Bordeaux in the central valley. Visit us or give us a call to discuss these special wines.
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