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Right Bank

Bordeaux

BordeauxLibourneLangonRight BankRight Bank

Bordeaux appellations

The Merlot-dominated right bank of Bordeaux, stretching from the medieval town of Saint-Émilion and the tiny plateau of Pomerol to the hillsides of Blaye, Bourg, and Castillon. The clay and limestone soils produce wines of richness and generosity, from the approachable Côtes appellations to the most sought-after estates in the world.

The wines of Right Bank are made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and other Bordeaux varieties.

2–108 m

Elevation range

red

Wine styles

5 Sub-regions

Avg. slope 2.7°

104 Châteaux

Vineyard Map

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Nearby Appellations

To the west Entre-deux-Mers

To the west Left Bank

Add Right Bank to your Discoveries. When you taste one, you can tick it off.

Terroir & Character

Climate

The clay soils retain heat and moisture, creating a slightly warmer and more humid microclimate than the Left Bank's gravelly terrain. The limestone plateaus provide good air circulation while the proximity to the Dordogne River moderates temperature extremes.

Terroir

ClayLimestoneGravelSand

The Right Bank sits on Oligocene limestone bedrock overlaid with clay-limestone plateaus and iron-rich molasse deposits. In Saint-Émilion, the limestone base provides excellent drainage while retaining moisture, with fossil-rich calcaire à astéries formations allowing deep root penetration. Pomerol's clay subsoil over gravel creates a perched water table that moderates vine stress during dry periods.

Typical Aromas

dark plumchocolatevioletcedartruffledried herbs
Explore the aroma wheel

Right Bank Classifications

The Right Bank has no single classification system. Saint-Émilion has its own classification, reviewed roughly every ten years (most recently in 2022), making it the only major Bordeaux classification that evolves. Pomerol, home to Château Pétrus and Le Pin, has famously never had an official classification.

Saint-Émilion: Premier Grand Cru Classé A

The pinnacle. Currently Château Figeac and Château Pavie. Château Ausone and Château Chéval Blanc withdrew from the classification.

Saint-Émilion: Premier Grand Cru Classé B

Twelve estates including Château Canon, Château Bélair-Monange, and Château Troplong-Mondot.

Saint-Émilion: Grand Cru Classé

Over 70 estates representing the backbone of quality Saint-Émilion production.

Pomerol

No official classification. Quality and reputation are established entirely by market reputation and critical consensus.

Notable Producers

PetrusIconic Pomerol, pure Merlot
Chateau Cheval BlancFirst Growth Saint-Emilion
Chateau AusoneFirst Growth Saint-Emilion, limestone
Le PinCult Pomerol micro-estate
Chateau AngelusFirst Growth Saint-Emilion
Chateau FigeacFirst Growth Saint-Emilion, Cabernet-led

Grapes of Bordeaux

Cabernet Sauvignon

Red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
blackcurrantgreen bell peppermintcedar

The Left Bank's home grape, on deep gravel beds. Cassis, cedar, graphite, and tobacco, framed by firm tannin built for decades of cellaring.

Merlot

Red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
plumblackberrystrawberrybay leaf

Bordeaux's Right Bank lives on Merlot. Pomerol's iron-rich clay yields plush plum, black cherry, and truffle; Saint-Émilion's limestone adds elegance, cigar box, and length.

Cabernet Franc

Red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberryraspberrybell pepperviolet

Riper, plummier, more structured. Key blending partner in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol.

Sauvignon Blanc

White
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
grassasparaguspassion fruitgrapefruit

Bordeaux's dry whites blend Sauvignon Blanc with Sémillon on Pessac-Léognan gravel. Lemon, peach, and white flowers; barrel age brings cream and honey over a decade.

Sémillon

White
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applelemongrasshoney

Blended with Sauvignon Blanc

Bordeaux Red Blend

Red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
blackcurrantplumcedartobacco

Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant on the Left Bank, Merlot-dominant on the Right Bank

Bordeaux White Blend

White
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
citrusgrapefruitwhite peachgooseberry

Dry whites from Pessac-Léognan are the finest, combining Sauvignon Blanc freshness with Sémillon richness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Right Bank known for?▼
Right Bank is known for its Merlot-dominated wines from the prestigious appellations of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. It's home to some of the world's most sought-after estates, producing wines of exceptional richness and generosity from clay and limestone soils.
What does Right Bank wine taste like?▼
Right Bank wines are characterized by their richness, generosity, and approachable style. The Merlot-based blends offer plush fruit flavors, velvety textures, and elegant complexity that can range from accessible satellite wines to ultra-premium expressions.
What grapes are grown in Right Bank?▼
Right Bank is dominated by Merlot as the primary grape variety. Cabernet Franc serves as an important secondary grape, with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon also grown in the region.
What makes Right Bank different from its neighbors?▼
Right Bank differs from Left Bank through its Merlot-dominated plantings versus Cabernet Sauvignon dominance across the river. The clay and limestone soils here produce softer, more approachable wines compared to the structured, tannic profile typical of Left Bank estates.
What soil types are found in Right Bank?▼
Right Bank features diverse soils including clay, limestone, gravel, and sand. The clay and limestone soils are particularly significant, as they provide excellent conditions for Merlot cultivation and contribute to the region's characteristic wine richness.

Map data: INAO · Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)