160-168 Robinson, Jancis, Oxford Companion to Wine (3rd ed., Oxford University Press, London, England, 2006), at p. A typical 'Bordeaux blend' recipe for the Médoc might consist predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon (with lesser amounts of Merlot and Cabernet franc), while Merlot would dominate a blend from St.-Émilion or Pomerol in the Right Bank (with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet franc in lesser proportions).ġ Robinson, Jancis, Julia Harding, and José Vouillamoz, WINE GRAPES (HarperCollins Publishers, New York, NY, 2012), at pp. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot share the same male parent, Cabernet franc. It is not surprising that Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc and Merlot work together so effectively in Bordeaux blends given their genetic relationship. Merlot preferred the limestone and clay-based soils on the east side ('Right Bank') of the Gironde Estuary. By the 18th century, Cabernet Sauvignon had become well-established on the west side of the Gironde Estuary (the 'Left Bank') in the gravel-based soils of the Médoc and Graves. Although Cabernet Sauvignon is considered the pre-eminent grape of Bordeaux, Merlot is more widely planted. Carmenère was cultivated in the region until the latter half of the 19th century but is now more closely associated with Chile.Ĭabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the dominant wine grapes of the region.

All five varieties are used in Bordeaux blends in various proportions. The principal black wine grapes of Bordeaux are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec/Cot.

Clone 5 cabernet 2014