The famous Bordeaux Wine comes from a region southwest of France. Bordeaux is the seventh largest metropolitan in France, known for wine production since the 8th century. Today, Bordeaux vineyards and the processing centers are part of the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. The city sparkles, like its wines, with its unique urban architectural ensemble and traditions that have survived centuries
Archaeological research reveals that Bordeaux was inhabited by Neanderthal Man. The remains discovered near Bourg sur Gironde, north of Bordeaux, add to the mystical charm of the region. Around 300 BC, the Celtic tribes inhabited the region, naming it Bourde, after the river by the same name. The city has witnessed Roman rule as well as ravaging by the Vandals, Visigoths, Franks, Carolingians and Vikings.
Bordeaux is a naturally endowed region for the growth of grapes and wine processing. Its location along the European Atlantic coast and the river Garonne, divides the city into two distinct regions. The river-way or inland water-way is so broad that even ocean liners maneuver inland. Bordeaux enjoys an oceanic climate, with mild winters and fairly warm summer. Bordeaux vineyards spread across over 110,160 hectares. The city has more than 55 appellations and 10,000 châteaux dedicated to wine production. It is home to over 12,000 grape cultivators, who contribute to the processing of over 700 million bottles of wine each year.
Bordeaux produces not only some of the finest and most expensive wines in the world, but also sweet and regular varieties accessible at lower costs. It manufactures and distributes large quantities of 'premier cru' or the wines distilled from the first growth. There are red and white wines that make their way across the continents. Bordeaux wine varieties of the 'first growth' include Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Haut-Brion, Château Margaux, Château Latour and Château Mouton-Rothschild. The region produces Red Bordeaux called claret, made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenere. The White Bordeaux is usually processed from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.
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