Chateau Haut Beychevelle Gloria Saint Julien

   The Bordeaux region is divided by the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. On the 'left bank' of the Gironde, the Médoc area makes red wines mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Usually they're blended with one or two other grape varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

   Cabernet Sauvignon makes wines with great structure and ageing potential. The very best wines from the region were classified over 150 years ago and are known as 'Classed Growths'. Across the river, the undulating countryside is home to communes such as Saint-Émilion and Pomerol and the larger areas of the Côtes de Blaye, Bourg and Castillon. This area typically enjoys hotter summers than the Médoc, making it ideal for growing Merlot, which is usually blended with small percentages of the other red grape varieties. Wines from the 'right bank' tend to age sooner, with softer flavours making them easier to drink when young.