Bordeaux

Bordeaux - With over 12,000 winegrowers and over 50 diverse growing appellations, it is no wonder that Bordeaux is the red wine capital of France. Over 80% of the wine produced in Bordeaux is red, primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes.
The two prevailing red wine-producing subregions of Bordeaux are aptly referred to as "Left Bank" and "Right Bank." The Left Bank has soils with higher gravel content that favor Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. French wines from the Left Bank usually require more time to mature and will age for years. While the Right Bank lends itself to soil with more clay, preferring the Merlot grapes, with their early-ripening characteristics. The Right Bank wines are typically better suited for beginning Bordeaux wine drinkers, as they have lower tannin content, more fruit-forward flavor and are more inviting initially.