September 4, 2025 Plume Ridge Bottle Shop

A Beginner’s Guide to Bordeaux Wines

Bordeaux is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, but for new wine drinkers it can also feel a little overwhelming. With hundreds of châteaux, dozens of appellations, and blends that change by region, where do you even begin? The good news: Bordeaux has plenty of approachable and affordable options perfect for beginners.

What Makes Bordeaux Special?

Bordeaux sits in southwest France and is best known for its red blends. Instead of focusing on just one grape, Bordeaux wines are crafted from a mix of varieties, mainly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. This creates balance: fruit, structure, and complexity all working together in the glass.

Bordeaux (Right Bank or leaning style)

Why: These are often Merlot-dominant blends (softer, fruitier, less tannic than Cabernet-heavy wines). They show ripe red fruits, a little spice, and smooth textures.

Examples: Château La Dominique, Château Grand Mayne, Château Joanin Becot.

Beginner appeal: Affordable, juicy, ready to drink young.

Final Sip

Bordeaux doesn’t have to be intimidating. By starting with approachable, Merlot-driven wines, you’ll discover why this region has captivated wine lovers for centuries. Once you’ve found a style you enjoy, you can explore more structured Left Bank wines, or dive deeper into Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.

Tip: Stick to recent vintages (2018–2022) for fresher, fruitier flavors.

Contributed by Blake Leland, Sommelier for Plume Ridge Bottle Shop.