The diversification of Bordeaux: Join the Bordeaux Crew

By Emma Ireland

Once synonymous with traditional, expensive red wines, Bordeaux is making moves to show consumers that it offers so much more than that. You might well still see a traditional red Grand Cru being served in a fancy restaurant you booked for your birthday, but you will also see an unexpected, inexpensive single-grape white Bordeaux being served at a bar – there are no barriers Bordeaux isn’t afraid to push. This is what the new Bordeaux is all about, innovation and diversity in every sense of the word without losing the traditional practices the area is known and loved for.

Short term solutions don’t serve Bordeaux, they’re looking to impact wine culture in a long-lasting, positive way – and that includes its approach to climate. With 75% of its wine growing area now having environmental certification, whether that be biodynamic or organic, that’s a huge improvement from 35% in 2014 – all with the goal of having 100% covered by 2030.

Bordeaux has been actively encouraging a healthy, symbiotic relationship with natural pests and predators to reduce the use of man-made pesticides and alongside this have been introducing new grapes varieties and clones that are naturally more resistant to diseases.

“Having converted to organic methods, we continue to uphold the blend of tradition and technology to produce elegant and classy wines with a local flavour.” – Claire Buffeteau, Buffeteau Vineyards

Each vintage poses new challenges as the climate changes, but to combat this they use the terroir to their advantage. New grape varieties are grown that are suitable for the changes in climate, there’s a whole variety of soil types that help foster growth but also the vineyards benefit from the freshwater ecosystem brought in by two rivers.

“We never stop looking to innovate, always experimenting that little bit more, so that we continue to improve the quality of our wines, all while respecting the environment.” – Julie Mercier, Château La Grande Clotte

Bordeaux is not just a region of top-end reds. You may be surprised to discover that not so long ago Bordeaux produced more white wine than red. Today, while red represents the majority of production, predominantly from Merlot and Cabernet, but with the addition of Pinot Verde, Malbec and Carménère, the region’s stylistic repertoire has truly diversified.

The red wines are being aged for less time in barrel to produce fruitier early drinking styles that are growing in popularity each year. The Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon that are renowned in Sauternes are now producing a far larger amount of dry white, and increasingly, sparking wines. From unctuous sweet wines, their fruity rosé, crisp whites and refreshing crémant, there’s plenty to choose from.

Bordeaux is a region that offers so much more than what consumers have grown to know of it, with a whole plethora of different styles and grapes available to try, including our own extensive range. Experience a whole new wine journey and join the Bordeaux crew today!