It was here in the left bank that I spent the majority of my time while visiting Bordeaux. First, this is where the city centre is located and where the Bordeaux Wine Festival takes place, along the left bank of the Garonne River. But more importantly, I feel like there is a special connection with the left bank as these are the wines I usually drink when I´m having Bordeaux wines. I love the tannins, the structure, complexity, and earthiness of wines from places such as Pessac-Léognan, Graves, and the Médoc which are included in this part of the region.

When you hear people mention right bank versus left bank Bordeaux wines, there is a big difference in the style and taste, mainly because of the soil and fruit (the grapes) which are used. On both sides the wines are mostly blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The difference is how much or the percentage of each grape is blended into the wine. On the left bank, Cabernet Sauvignon has the leading role and this is mainly because this grape thrives in the gravely soil found on this side of the river. Firm tannins, dry, complex, concentrated are all characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon. So, the red blends from the left bank have a lot more Cabernet Sauvignon and less of the other grapes.

On the opposite side, on the right bank, it is Merlot that has the starring role. The clay soil and more stable climate here brings out the rich, fruity, and round characteristics of the Merlot grape. Therefore, wines from this area will usually have a higher concentration of Merlot with the other grapes having only supporting roles. Keep in mind that these are general descriptions as there are always exceptions to the rule. A number of winemakers on the left bank for example will have mostly Merlot grapes planted in their vineyards, and use Merlot as the base of their wines. I enjoy both styles and really it just depends on the day. But…the majority of the time I am a left banker.

If you can, I recommend having a car. It is the easiest way to visit the vineyards in Bordeaux. If not, you can always book tours (at least 48 hours in advance) through the Bordeaux tourism office. Some of the places I visited in the left bank…

The beautiful Château Margaux

Château Pédesclaux (Pauillac)

The artwork at this estate was beautiful!

Next…to the vineyards of Lafite where Zoé wonders how the 2018 vintage is shaping up 🙂

I tried to get into the famous Château Latour; but it didn’t work out, lol. I say that sarcastically because Château Latour is one of the most exclusive châteaux in the world, and unless you’re a well known (celebrity) wine person like Robert Parker or have the right contacts, it is nearly impossible to get in. I knew that, but thought I’d give it a shot anyway!

On the other hand, just across the street from Latour is Château Pichon Baron (Pauillac) and here they do welcome ¨regular¨ (non celebrity status) visitors 🙂

Rocky (gravel) soil that the left bank is known for and where most vineyards are planted with the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.

From the vineyards to the vats, to barrel ageing and bottling…

Another famous château, Château Lynch-Bages which is also in the appellation Pauillac, was under construction and I wasn’t able to photograph it. But the neighboring Café Lavinal just steps behind was quaint.

Driving through the Médoc I came across this turn of the century (19th I think) “lavoir” or public wash house that was once used by the townspeople for laundry.