By Lori Budd of Exploring the Wine Glass
Why Bordeaux Deserves a Toast
Most people have heard of Bordeaux—it’s kind of a big deal in the wine world, but what really makes it special goes way beyond the fancy châteaux and the high price tags. So what is Bordeaux? It isn’t just one wine; it’s actually a region made up of several appellations, (similar to Paso) each with its own style and personality. And despite the myth that Bordeaux wines are always expensive and snobby, there are loads of approachable, everyday bottles that showcase the region’s incredible knack for blending grapes into something greater than the sum of its parts.
See Paso’s Downtown Wineries specializing in Bordeaux Reds!
A Sip of History
Nestled in southwest France, Bordeaux more than a pretty postcard—it’s a sprawling patchwork of vineyards shaped by history, geography, and a pretty important river named the Gironde. This impressive waterway, along with its tributaries (the Dordogne and Garonne), creates different microclimates that help grapes thrive. Bordeaux is divided into several famous appellations including the Médoc, Graves, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol. Each with its own take on the classic blend. And let’s not forget that the region’s temperate climate, moderated by the Atlantic Ocean and those river breezes, keeps vines happy and grapes balanced. Mother Nature provides her own personal air conditioning in this region.
It does get a little confusing at this point, but it really is simple once you grasp the geography. The Gironde splits Bordeaux into the Left Bank and the Right Bank, and that divide is the secret sauce behind what ends up in your glass. On the Left Bank (think Médoc and Graves), Cabernet Sauvignon rules, bringing structure, tannin, and age-worthy power to the blend. Jump over to the other side; the Right Bank (Saint-Émilion and Pomerol), and this is where Merlot takes center stage. These wines are plush, velvety wines that feel like a warm fuzzy sweater in a glass. Bordeaux pretty much wrote the rulebook on blending. There are not many single variety wines here. Blending allows for balancing boldness, softness, spice, and freshness so each grape can shine. And that philosophy is exactly what inspired New World regions like Paso Robles to try their hand at crafting Bordeaux-style blends with a sunny, warm California twist.
Meet the Grapes: The Famous Five
It’s all about the grapes. Technically, it’s all about the vineyards producing the high quality grapes, but if you imagine a Bordeaux blend as characters it all makes sense. Picture a Bordeaux blend as the ultimate wine-world Avengers team, where each grape plays a heroic role. GRAPES ASSEMBLE!
Cabernet Sauvignon is Iron Man—bold, structured, and built to age gracefully, bringing the power and backbone to the story. Merlot steps in as Captain America, smooth, approachable, and universally loved, softening the blend with his velvety charm. Cabernet Franc is our Black Widow, adding elegant spice, herbal intrigue, and a mysterious edge that keeps the plot interesting. Petit Verdot channels Thor: used in smaller doses because he delivers a hammer of deep color, bold flavor, and floral drama. And rounding out the team is Malbec as Hawkeye. Often not in the spotlight, but quietly adding dark fruit, smoky notes, and depth that ties it all together. Alone, each grape is strong—but blended, they create a blockbuster bottle that’s layered, balanced, and downright heroic!
Paso Robles: New World, Same Love for Blending
Paso Robles looked at Bordeaux’s playbook and realized that it was one that created exceptional wines. Paso realized that if you bring together different grapes, each with its own strengths, you can make a wine that’s way more exciting than any single grape flying solo.
Bordeaux is generalized as having gravel on the Left Bank which allows for superior drainage and the retention of heat, which is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. While on the Right Bank the clay and limestone soils retains moisture and provides nutrients making it more suitable for Merlot. Paso Robles has a diverse range of soils types with calcareous (limestone rich) soils being the major player. These soils promote deep root growth and excellent drainage. Plus, Paso gets that famous cool breeze at night that keeps things fresh. So while both regions produce exceptional blends, they express totally different expressions.
Come Taste!
Remember, wine isn’t meant to be intimidating — it’s meant to be deliciously fun! So go ahead: swirl, sip, and explore outside your usual comfort zone. Every bottle has a story waiting to surprise you, and the only rule is to enjoy what’s in your glass. Ready to play? Visit Paso wineries, taste a bold Bordeaux blend, or drop into a tasting and discover your next favorite pour.
See Paso’s Downtown Wineries specializing in Bordeaux Reds!
About Lori Budd
With a passion for wine that bubbles like the finest Champagne, Lori Budd is a wine educator who loves bringing the joys of vino to others. A certified Spanish Wine Scholar and WSET Level 2 Award holder, Lori has mastered the nuances of wines from Albariño through Zinfandel. As a champagne specialist, she can sabrage a bottle open with flair while explaining what makes the region unique. Lori founded Cabernet Franc Day to spotlight this oft-overlooked Bordeaux variety. Based in Paso Robles wine country, she is dedicated to promoting the extraordinary region. When Lori pours, good times are sure to flow; she promises to never tell you what to drink, but she’ll always share what’s in her glass. Follow along her journey through her award winning blog and nationally ranked podcast; Exploring the Wine Glass.
