Terra Vitis in Bordeaux:
discover our sustainable wines

Certainly the best-known French wine region in the world is Bordeaux, with its appellations and grands crus that are coveted by international connoisseurs. Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Pessac-Léognan … but beyond these evocative names, the region has many less famous wines whose quality and variety deserve to be known.

Present in the Bordeaux region since 2002, Terra Vitis supports its member grape farmers and winegrowers in their commitment to sustainable viticulture. Find out what makes Bordeaux vineyards and the wines they produce so prized…

3 things to know about Bordeaux wines

Bordeaux is historically renowned for its blended wines. Its winemakers are masters of structured, finely balanced wines, in which each grape variety expresses its best qualities.

The philosopher Montesquieu (1689-1755) was used to define his native region as “the air, the grapes, the wines from the banks of the Garonne and the mood of the Gascons are excellent antidotes against melancholy.

In the Sauternes region, home of the famous wine of the same name, manual harvesting is compulsory.

The geography of the Bordeaux terroir: between river and sea

Bordeaux is a winegrowing region of many contrasts, where diverse types of soil and microclimates offer ideal conditions for growing vines and making wine.

The region is traversed by the Garonne and the Dordogne rivers, which meet at the Gironde estuary before emptying into the Atlantic. Along their banks, sunlit hillsides make ideal terrain for vineyards. Located inland, the vineyards are protected from the oceanic influence by natural vegetation, so they benefit from the mild coastal temperatures without suffering extremes. The temperate, sometimes balmy autumns in and around Bordeaux are also very favourable for grapes, which take full advantage of the last warmth before the harvest.

Geologically, the Bordeaux wine region has a variety of soil types (gravel, limestone, clay, silt, etc.), which allows the farming of many different grape varieties, and the production of a wide variety of wines.

There is a Bordeaux wine for every taste or occasion – red, rosé, white, sweet, sparkling, accessible or for more adventurous tastes – and for every budget.

Bordeaux wines are blends produced from an average of two to five grape varieties that are carefully chosen for their complementary aromatic palettes. Bordeaux reds are made from the following varieties (in varying proportions, depending on the appellation): Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec (relatively uncommon compared to the others).

More occasionally, Petit Verdot and Carménère are used.

Bordeaux whites are typically made from: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle.

Some winemakers also use Colombard and Ugni Blanc, but these are less common than the others.

Finally, some of the grapes are reserved for the production of rosé wines, including Clairet, a Bordeaux speciality, sparkling wines (including Crémant de Bordeaux) and sweet wines.

The varied terrain of the Bordeaux region and the grape varieties that thrive here allow winegrowers to make many different wines.

Within the wine region a distinction has historically been made between wines from the left bank and from the right bank of the Gironde. On the left side of the Gironde (and the Garonne) lie the AOCs of Médoc and Graves and, to the south, sweet wines such as Sauternes. On the right side are Blaye and Bourg, as well as Libournais.

Renowned for their elegant bouquet, the dry white wines of Entre-deux-Mers are produced between the Dordogne and the Garonne rivers. Red wine lovers will be spoiled for choice in Médoc, Graves, Libournais and Blaye. Blaye and Bourg also produce excellent white wines.

Wine tourism in Bordeaux

Bordeaux’s international reputation and its diverse and celebrated terroirs have long made it attractive to visitors, who can experience it by following the mythical Bordeaux wine route. An ideal way to discover both the famous and lesser-known wines and vineyards of the region, visitors can also take the opportunity to walk in this protected landscape and take in the scenery. Many wineries are open to the public for wine tastings, tours or events of different kinds, so there is something to please everyone.

Terra Vitis members in Bordeaux

The Terra Vitis Bordeaux regional branch was created in 2002 and today unites over 300 winegrowers and winemakers. Whether you’re a fan of powerful, very aromatic red wines such as those of Graves or the fruity yet crisp white wines typical of Entre-deux-Mers, let our members help you find what you’re looking for. Find all our Terra Vitis-certified winegrowers below.

Further information

Official website of Bordeaux wines

Discover the other Terra Vitis regions

L’abus d’alcool est dangereux pour la santé. À consommer avec modération.

Terra Vitis in Bordeaux:discover our sustainable wines