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118. Bordeaux - Left Bank, Right Bank & Bordeaux AOCs | WSET Study Classics
· 9:17 · S1 E118
Episode 118. Bordeaux - Left Bank, Right Bank & Bordeaux AOCs | WSET Study Classics
Episode 118: Bordeaux - Left Bank, Right Bank & Bordeaux AOCs | WSET Study Classics
Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9:16 Release Date: July 2nd 2026
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Throughout July, we're revisiting some of the most important wine regions and concepts in the WSET curriculum. Each episode is paired with quizzes, study tips, and, where appropriate, essay practice delivered in the Wine Educate newsletter.
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Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle
Studying for WSET Level 2? Our Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle includes three complete practice exams with 150 multiple-choice questions designed to help you prepare with confidence. It's an excellent way to test your knowledge before exam day.
https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout
Episode Description
Bordeaux is one of the world's most influential wine regions and an essential topic for WSET Level 2 students. In this Summer Classics episode, Joanne explains the geography, climate, grape varieties, and appellation system that make Bordeaux unique.
You'll learn why Merlot dominates the Right Bank, why Cabernet Sauvignon thrives on the Left Bank, how the region's rivers shape wine styles, and which appellations you should know for your exam. Along the way, Joanne also shares the surprising impact the movie Sideways had on Merlot's reputation and explains why Bordeaux remains one of the most important wine regions to understand.
What You'll Learn in This Episode Bordeaux Geography
• Why Bordeaux has a moderate maritime climate • The importance of the Atlantic Ocean • The Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers • Understanding the Left Bank, Right Bank, and Entre-deux-Mers
Bordeaux's Major Grape Varieties
• Why Merlot is Bordeaux's most planted grape • Why Cabernet Sauvignon performs better on the Left Bank • The influence of soil type on grape variety selection • Merlot versus Cabernet Sauvignon in blends
Bordeaux White Wines
• Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon • Dry white Bordeaux • Sweet white Bordeaux wines
Important Bordeaux Appellations
Left Bank
• Médoc • Haut-Médoc • Margaux • Pauillac • Graves • Pessac-Léognan
Right Bank
• Pomerol • Saint-Émilion
Regional Appellations
• Bordeaux AOC • Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
Bordeaux Wine Law
• What "Château" legally means on a wine label • The 1855 Cru Classé Classification • Cru Bourgeois • Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Episode Highlights and Quotes
"Merlot is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux."
"Gravel does two things. It drains water quickly, and it stores heat, helping Cabernet Sauvignon ripen."
"Who needs true crime when you've got the drama of the Bordeaux wine classifications?"
Quick Study Guide: Bordeaux
Climate
• Moderate maritime
Main Red Grapes
• Merlot • Cabernet Sauvignon
Main White Grapes
• Sauvignon Blanc • Sémillon
Left Bank
• Gravel soils • Cabernet Sauvignon dominant
Right Bank
• Clay and sandy clay soils • Merlot dominant
Major Rivers
• Garonne • Dordogne • Gironde
Key Appellations for WSET Level 2
• Bordeaux AOC • Bordeaux Supérieur AOC • Médoc • Haut-Médoc • Margaux • Pauillac • Graves • Pessac-Léognan • Pomerol • Saint-Émilion
Resources Mentioned
• Bordeaux wine region • The movie Sideways • Château Cheval Blanc • WSET Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle
https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout
Coming Up Next
Episode 119: Valpolicella, Amarone & Recioto
Next week, we'll head to northeastern Italy to explore Valpolicella, including Amarone della Valpolicella, Recioto, Ripasso, and the winemaking techniques that make these wines unique.
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