Bordeaux, one of the most famous wine producing areas in the world, is divided by the Gironde Estuary, which connects two rivers to the Atlantic Ocean. The “left bank” is located to the west, or left, of the Gironde and Garrone River, and includes the regions of Médoc, St-Estèphe, Pauillac, St-Julien, Margaux, Haut-Médoc, Pessac-Léognan, and Graves, among others. The soils with high concentration of gravel are perfect for its Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends, with the addition of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The wines from the left bank tend to have powerful tannins with full structure that allows them to age for prolonged periods of time. The region also produces white wines made with Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, and the world-famous sweet wines of Sauternes.
Some of the most prestigious Chateaux are in the “left bank”, including the famous “first growths” of the Classification of Médoc: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion and Château Mouton Rothschild.
Author: Maytte Rivera
