Bordeaux: Wine Region of France

The famous Bordeaux Wine comes from a region southwest of France. Bordeaux is the seventh largest metropolitan in France, known for wine production since the 8th century. Today, Bordeaux vineyards and the processing centers are part of the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. The city sparkles, like its wines, with its unique urban architectural ensemble and traditions that have survived centuries.

History of Bordeaux:

Archaeological research reveals that Bordeaux was inhabited by Neanderthal Man. The remains discovered near Bourg sur Gironde, north of Bordeaux, add to the mystical charm of the region. Around 300 BC, the Celtic tribes inhabited the region, naming it Bourde, after the river by the same name. The city has witnessed Roman rule as well as ravaging by the Vandals, Visigoths, Franks, Carolingians and Vikings. By far, the 18th century was the city's Golden Age. This era witnessed the construction of many architectural delights that stand to this day.

Bordeaux: Wine Region of France

Bordeaux is a naturally endowed region for the growth of grapes and wine processing. Its location along the European Atlantic coast and the river Garonne, divides the city into two distinct regions. The river-way or inland water-way is so broad that even ocean liners maneuver inland. Bordeaux enjoys an oceanic climate, with mild winters and fairly warm summer. Bordeaux vineyards spread across over 110,160 hectares. The city has more than 55 appellations and 10,000 châteaux dedicated to wine production. It is home to over 12,000 grape cultivators, who contribute to the processing of over 700 million bottles of wine each year.

Bordeaux produces not only some of the finest and most expensive wines in the world, but also sweet and regular varieties accessible at lower costs. It manufactures and distributes large quantities of 'premier cru' or the wines distilled from the first growth. There are red and white wines that make their way across the continents. Bordeaux wine varieties of the 'first growth' include Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Haut-Brion, Château Margaux, Château Latour and Château Mouton-Rothschild. The region produces Red Bordeaux called claret, made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenere. The White Bordeaux is usually processed from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.

Beyond wine processing, Bordeaux is also famous for the Laser Mégajoule, a project of the French Ministry of Defense and its aeronautic industry. Tourism is a major industry here, and it thrives on the region's wine processing ability. Bordeaux is popular on the travel charts as the 'City of Art and History'. It a sought-after tourist destination and also attracts cinema production crews from all over the world. The Esplanade des Quinconces, Colonnes des Girondins, Allées de Tourny, Cours de l'Intendance and Saint-André Cathedral are some of the architectural marvels. Bordeaux is also famous for Sainte-Croix Church and the Gothic basilica of Saint-Michel.

This port city has a number of museums, parks and shopping arcades. It is home to the Rue Sainte-Catherine, the longest shopping street in Europe and Arc en rêve, an architecture exhibition and research center. Bordeaux offers the tourist a cultural feast in dance and music at the National Opera of Bordeaux. The vineyards in Bordeaux stretch for acres, to accommodate foreign demands, and attract tourists all year round. The Institut National des Appellations d'Origine (INAO) tagged wines have earned a rack-life in every country and recognition among connoisseurs and gourmets of international acclaim.