Its seat on the ocean made Bordeaux to an important trade center, which had its influence on wine industry and production. After the Romans the Franks and Basques cultivated and developed the viniculture. Its high point came in the 14th century, when the English Royals bought 75% of their wine here. The name "claret" goes back to the English. The Médoc peninsula wasn't planted at the time. Spared from the destruction of the French Revolution this region was able to improve its reputation further. But then the phylloxera vastratix destroyed nearly the whole of the vines in the area. It had another swing upwards in the 60's and 70's. The technical advances in this time resulted in truly grand years in the 80's.
Bordeaux is one of the largest growing regions of France with 150 km length and up to 70 km width. The soil has been enriched with sand and sediments by the rivers Garonne and Dordogne, which delta into the Gironde, and offers perfect conditions for viniculture. The mild rainy winter, hot summer and long mild autumn allow the vines to thrive.
The white types are Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. CS, Merlot, CF, Petit Verdot and Malbec, are the red vines that are cultivated. On the Médoc peninsula strong but fruity red wines grow, while those in St-Émilion and Pomerol are fruity, smooth, and full. Full red wines and fruity dry whites are made in Graves. In Sauternes and Barsac the white wines are golden, full, and sweet. Bordeaux is known especially for its quality wines (70%).
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