The Bordeaux region, its wines and their correct wine serving temperatures

The Bordeaux wine region has a long history of viticulture, dating back to the Roman era. The first recorded vineyard here was planted in the 4th century AD. Since then, the region has been responsible for some of the world's most celebrated wines. Indeed, many of the most famous and sought-after wines in the world come from Bordeaux.

The region is in southwestern France, along the Gironde estuary, the climate here is ideally suited to viticulture, with warm summers and cool winters. The soils are also very conducive to grape growing, being a mix of sand, clay, and limestone.

There are over 10,000 vineyards in the Bordeaux region, spread across nearly 120,000 hectares (300,000 acres).  The land is divided into several distinct sub-regions, the largest of these is known as the Left Bank, which is home to the Medoc and Graves regions. The Medoc produces some of the most famous and expensive wines in the world, while the Graves region is known for its more affordable options. Wines from the Left Bank tend to be made with Merlot Grapes and generally have more tannins and are full-bodied.

On the Right Bank of the Bordeaux region, is the famous St. Emilion region, as well as Pomerol and Lalande de Pomerol. The wines from St. Emilion are among the most sought-after in the world, while those from Pomerol and Lalande de Pomerol are more affordable alternatives. Wines from the Right bank are generally made from Merlot grapes and tend to be more fruit-forward and approachable.

To enjoy your wines, the closer you get to the ideal serving temperature, the more likely it is that the taste of the wine will match your expectations. Optimal temperature highly depends on the grape or blends.

Finally, there is the Sauternes region, which is known for its sweet, dessert wines. The wines are made from grapes that have been affected by a type of fungus called Botrytis Cinerea. This fungus dehydrates the grapes, concentrating their sugar content and giving them a unique flavor. Sauternes wines are often aged for many years before they are released, and they can continue to improve in quality for decades. These wines are typically very sweet, with high levels of acidity.  The most famous wine from this region is Chateau d'Yquem, which is one of the most expensive wines in the world.