Bordeaux
France · France’s great red-blend region, split by a river.
Unofficial study resource · not affiliated with or endorsed by WSET®In short
Mostly red blends built on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, plus dry and sweet whites. The Left Bank (Médoc) favours Cabernet Sauvignon on gravel soils; the Right Bank (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol) favours Merlot on clay.
Key grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc; Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc for whites.
Why it matters for WSET
The reference point for Cabernet-Merlot blending and the Left Bank vs Right Bank contrast, a frequent exam theme.
Practise your regions knowledge
Wine regions are core WSET material. Try free practice questions with explanations, then get the full bank and a wrong-answer notebook in the Eclavin app.
Download Eclavin on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
Is Bordeaux a red or white wine?
Mostly red, built on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, though Bordeaux also makes dry and sweet white wines.
What is the difference between Left Bank and Right Bank Bordeaux?
The Left Bank (Médoc) favours Cabernet Sauvignon on gravel soils, giving firmer, tannic wines. The Right Bank (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol) favours Merlot on clay, giving softer, plummier wines.