The Left Bank of Bordeaux. Defined as the land around the city of Bordeaux that is south or west of the river Gironne. Although the Left Bank is not necessarily a better place to find wine than the competing Right Bank, the classification system is more logical and organized. More, if not necessarily better, famed wine villages exist, and the region has a longer and more established history.
While it is well-known for the full-bodied, varied wines of the Médoc, which is considered by many the worlds’ best place to find red wine, the Left Bank also includes the slightly less esteemed Graves. This makes the Left Bank also a better place than the Right Bank to find white wine, as almost no white is grown in the latter area. It is a commonly cited fact that the Left Bank’s specific climate and soil make it a perfect match for the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.
Reds
Cabernet Sauvignon is specifically adapted to the Left Bank climate, so the red wines of the Left Bank are usually based on a large amount of Cabernet Sauvignon while Merlot is often used to soften the Cabernet, but it is rarely allowed to make up the majority of the blend. Other grapes include Cabernet Franc and a usually low percentage of Petit Verdot.
Whites
Sémillon, however, reaches unrivaled heights on the Left Bank. The sweet wines of Graves, such as Sauternes, are made up of usually at least half Sémillon, which contributes its unique flavors to the blend.
Bordeaux wine selection are now available at The Oaks Cellars