The Château Saint-Elme of Bordeaux Supérieur of Bordeaux

Discovering the wine region of Bordeaux Supérieur

Bordeaux Supérieur is an appellation level applied to wines produced in the Generic area of the Bordeaux PDO. They are produced from the classic Bordeaux Grape varieties. The reds are, as the name suggests, intended to be a slightly "superior" form of the standard Bordeaux AOC wines. They are therefore heavily based on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

Some wines may feature the "lost child" of Bordeaux, Carménère. Small quantities of white wine are produced. However, as the wines must be Sweet, this does not represent a level of quality as is the case for the red designation. These wines are generally made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

Some blends may include Muscadelle, Ugni Blanc and Merlot Blanc. Similarly, the Graves Supérieures appellation is specific to sweet white wines. Only two French wine regions have adopted the concept of having a "superior" level for their appellations. The other is Beaujolais.