Despite the French region’s renown for churning out expensive bottles, some Bordeaux wines are incredibly wallet-friendly.
Bordeaux is one of the most revered wine regions in the world. {Photo by Tracy Kaler for TravelMag)
When one imagines a complex and exquisitely balanced Bordeaux, dollar signs likely appear, and for good reason. The French wine epicenter is arguably the world’s capital and one of the most revered regions, producing millions of cases of wine per year, 85 to 90% of which are red.
The Gironde Estuary traverses through Bordeaux, dividing the region into the right and left banks. The right bank lies north of the Dordogne River, and chateaux on this side mainly produce fruit-forward, Merlot-dominant wines. South of the Garonne River, the left bank celebrates Cabernet Sauvignon, so the wines from this side are typically fuller-bodied with higher tannins. Situated between the two, Entre Deux-Mers is well known for providing great value red wines sold as Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superieur. However, there are other subregions to take note of.
Michéala Johnson, the sommelier at Michelin-starred Le Jardinier in New York, recommends looking for Côtes de Bordeaux, Côtes de Castillon, Côtes de Francs, and Laland-de-Pomerol–-all right bank subregions––on labels when shopping for Bordeaux wines.
“Castillon and Francs have a terroir of limestone and clay that’s very similar to those found in Saint-Èmilion,” she says, comparing these wines to those from one of Bordeaux’s premier appellations. North of Pomerol on the right bank, Lalande-de-Pomerol has complex soil and gravel similar to neighboring Pomerol, its upscale neighbor. Thus, the wines produced here are also more affordable yet impressive. Haut-Medoc on the left bank is another subregion with a reputation for excellent, moderately priced bottles, according to Johnson.
To keep Bordeaux wine lovers on budget sans sacrificing quality, TravelMag went on a mission to find five well-reviewed red Bordeaux wines that retail for less than $25. Santé!
Chateau Les Grands Marechaux 2019
Scored 91 points by Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling, this right bank beauty from Cotes de Blaye is an incredible vintage and a steal for just $16.99. The well-balanced Merlot-centric wine exudes mulberry, plum, cedar, and a touch of fig and chocolate, with a slightly spicy finish. Pair this affordable Bordeaux with roast chicken, lamb chops, and grilled skirt steak drizzled with chimichurri.
Wine.com
Chateau Peyrabon 2018
Hailing from the Haut-Médoc, this Bordeaux is a find priced at $19.99. Deemed the Grand Vin of the chateau, this wine is crafted from the property’s highest-quality grapes, blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The unmissable dark fruit, rosemary, pepper, and tobacco lead to a fresh, lingering finish. In the opinion of Decanter, which scored the wine 91 points, drink this wine now or cellar a bottle through 2038.
Chateau Haut Gaudin Bordeaux Superieur 2019
James Suckling awarded 91 points to Chateau Haut Gaudin Bordeaux Superieur 2019. After a swirl and a sip or two, you’ll detect layers of berry, cassis, and chocolate in this wine that is fermented in stainless steel tanks before it is aged in tanks and neutral oak. Sip alone or pair this red wine with aged cheese or beef Bourguignon. At just $14.99, this beautifully balanced Bordeaux checks all the boxes with its elegant tannins and long, lasting finish.
Wine.com
Chateau de Viaud, Lalande-de-Pomerol, 2020
Crafted by a small family producer that’s been making wine since the 17th century, this rich Bordeaux from Lalande-de-Pomerol emits blackberry jam, blueberry, and dark chocolate with a hint of crushed stone. After tasting the wine in 2022, Vinous scored it 90 points, recommending to wait a year or two before uncorking a bottle. In 2024, the wine should be ripe and ready to savor its juicy fruit and appreciate its laser-like finish. This bottle, an incredible buy at $24.99, would pair well with pan-seared duck breast or pork barbecue.
Chateau Grimont Cuvee Prestige 2020
This right bank gem blends 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The jammy profile of red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry makes way for a powdery sensation in the mouth. Chateau Grimont Cuvee Prestige received 90 points from Decanter and Wine Enthusiast and is a superb value, retailing for just $19.98. A robust yet graceful, full-bodied wine, this Bordeaux would be excellent with pork tenderloin or pasta Bolognese. Give it some time in the bottle, and the wine will become softer and even more elegant.
Wine.com