Bordeaux Supérieur stands as a distinguished appellation tier, gracing wines crafted within the expansive Bordeaux AOP zone. Rooted in the classic Bordeaux grape varieties, these wines epitomize a refined essence.
The reds, living up to their name, embody a subtly elevated stature compared to standard Bordeaux AOC wines. This elevated status is achieved through a masterful blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by nuanced touches of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and occasionally, Bordeaux's enigmatic "lost child," Carménère.
While a modest quantity of white wine emerges from this tier, its sweetness precludes it from embodying the qualitative distinction that characterizes the reds. Drawing on the elegance of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, these whites may incorporate intriguing additions such as Muscadelle, Ugni Blanc, and Merlot Blanc. In a parallel realm, the Graves Supérieures appellation exclusively celebrates the realm of sweet white wines.
Only two French wine regions embrace the notion of a "superior" tier for their appellations, with Beaujolais standing as the counterpart to Bordeaux. Italy, however, has wholeheartedly embraced this concept, evident in the superiore expressions found within various DOCs, such as Valtellina Superiore.
The Bordeaux Superieur appellation spans the breadth of the Bordeaux wine region, traversing 130 kilometers from Sainte-Foy in the east to the far north-western tip of the Médoc. Notably, the Right Bank of the Gironde river, particularly north of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol, boasts a concentrated abundance of vineyards bearing this prestigious classification.
Encompassing approximately 12,412 hectares of vineyards, Bordeaux Superieur wines annually yield a refined output of around 60 million bottles. This contrasts with the more abundant 400-450 million bottles produced across the three colors of Bordeaux AOP.
Notably, the appellation regulations for Bordeaux Superieur wines exhibit a heightened stringency compared to their regular AOP counterparts. The focal distinctions reside in the vineyards, where elevated planting densities create an environment where vines must vie tenaciously for survival. This engenders robust, deep-rooted vines that epitomize vitality.
Vineyards producing supérieur wines adhere to a minimum planting density of 4500 plants per hectare, a step above the 4000 required for regular Bordeaux wine. These regulations, though stricter, remain comparatively relaxed in contrast to, for instance, Sauternes, where each hectare must harbor at least 6500 plants.
Furthermore, the maximum yield per hectare from vineyards cultivating supérieur wines hovers around ten percent lower than their regular AOP counterparts. Stringent rules governing sugar levels in grapes at harvest contribute to the elevated standards of Bordeaux Superieur. Regular Bordeaux AOP grapes must attain sugar levels to achieve a minimum of 9.5 percent alcohol, whereas Supérieur grapes must reach a potential alcohol level of 10 percent, underscoring the commitment to excellence within this esteemed tier.