History of Bordeaux wine

Bordeaux wine is a type of wine produced in the Bordeaux region of France. The history of Bordeaux wine spans many centuries, with the first vineyards being planted during the Roman Empire.

Early History

The history of Bordeaux wine dates back to the 1st century AD, when the Romans established vineyards in the region to provide wine for the soldiers. The Bordeaux region was ideally suited for viticulture, with its temperate climate and the natural irrigation provided by the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, the Bordeaux wine industry was dominated by the church, with monasteries such as the Abbey of Saint-Émilion playing a significant role in wine production. The wines produced during this period were primarily sweet white wines, which were highly prized throughout Europe.

18th and 19th Centuries

The 18th and 19th centuries saw significant developments in the Bordeaux wine industry. The introduction of new grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, led to the production of the red Bordeaux wines that are now synonymous with the region. The 1855 Classification, a ranking of Bordeaux wines commissioned by Napoleon III, further cemented Bordeaux's reputation as a leading wine-producing region.

Modern Era

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Bordeaux wine has continued to evolve, with advancements in viticulture and winemaking techniques leading to improvements in wine quality. Today, Bordeaux is home to some of the world's most prestigious and expensive wines, including those from the Médoc and Pomerol regions.

See Also

• French wine
• History of French wine
• Wine classification in Bordeaux