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.

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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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About Wine Educate

Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education approachable and practical, helping students and wine enthusiasts build confidence one episode at a time.

Episode 118 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2026 Wine Educate