5 Things You Didn’t Know About Bordeaux

Bordeaux, the capital of France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is synonymous with world-class wine, stunning architecture, and a rich cultural heritage. While many know it as the home of some of the most prestigious vineyards in the world, there’s much more to this historic city and its surrounding region than meets the eye. Its history is deeply intertwined with royalty, international trade, and even egg yolks! Here are five fascinating facts about Bordeaux that might just surprise you.

1. Bordeaux was shaped by an English King and a Dutch drainage system.

Bordeaux’s history is deeply intertwined with foreign influences, particularly from England and the Netherlands. In the 12th century, Bordeaux became part of the English crown when Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet, who later became King Henry II of England. This union brought prosperity to the region, as Bordeaux became a major hub for exporting wine to England. The word “claret,” still used today to describe Bordeaux red wines, originated during this period as a term for the light red wines favoured by the English.

But the region’s suitability for viticulture was also a product of engineering. In the 17th century, Dutch engineers were brought in to install a sophisticated drainage system in the marshy Médoc region. Revealing the gravelly soil, this transformed the land into prime vineyard territory, enabling some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious appellations—like Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, and Saint-Estèphe—to emerge. Without this drainage system, the Médoc as we know it today would likely be unrecognisable.

2. The 1855 Classification was meant to be temporary and no one actually tasted the wines!

The famous 1855 classification of Bordeaux wines, which ranks châteaux into five classes, was originally intended as a temporary ranking. It was commissioned for the Exposition Universelle de Paris at the request of Emperor Napoleon III to showcase France’s finest wines to the world. The Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce hastily compiled the list based on the châteaux’s reputation and market prices—not on blind tastings or detailed evaluations.

Though meant to be a short-term marketing tool, the classification became deeply entrenched and remains almost unchanged today—despite the fact that the Bordeaux wine landscape has evolved significantly in the last 170 years. While there have been a few adjustments, such as the promotion of Château Mouton Rothschild to First Growth in 1973, the 1855 Classification remains a cornerstone of Bordeaux’s wine legacy. The rigidity of the classification has sparked controversy, particularly among producers whose wines have improved dramatically but remain in lower ranks.

3. Bordeaux is not all about Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

When most people think of Bordeaux, they imagine robust red blends dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. However, the region’s viticultural history tells a different story. In ancient times, Bordeaux was renowned for its white wines, with over 80% of the vineyards dedicated to white grape varieties like Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. It wasn’t until the 1970s that red wine production took over. The shift to red wine production occurred as global demand for bold, structured reds grew, reshaping the region’s vineyard landscape.

However, Bordeaux’s appellations still allow for a remarkable diversity of grape varieties. Bordeaux AOC has recently reintroduced lesser-known historic grapes like Castets while also embracing international varieties such as Alvarinho. In addition, hybrids like Floréal—designed to be resistant to disease and climate change—are now permitted in the regional wines, proving that the region is not just about tradition but also innovation and sustainability.

4. Saint-Émilion was the first vineyard landscape recognised by UNESCO.

Bordeaux is home to some of the most prestigious appellations in the world, but Saint-Émilion holds a particularly unique distinction: in 1999, it became the first vineyard landscape in the world to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike other sites that are purely historical, Saint-Émilion’s designation falls under the category of a “Cultural Landscape,” meaning it remains an active and evolving agricultural area while preserving its centuries-old traditions.

The town itself is a stunning medieval gem, with its monolithic church carved into limestone, ancient wine caves, and Romanesque ruins. The vineyards surrounding it follow the same meticulous planting patterns that have been in place for centuries. Visitors to the area can stroll through cobblestone streets, explore underground catacombs, and sample wines from some of the oldest continuously operating vineyards in the world. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to understand the essence of Bordeaux.

5. Bordeaux’s signature pastry originated from winemaking

No visit to Bordeaux is complete without tasting a canelé, the region’s iconic pastry. These small, fluted cakes feature a caramelised crust and a soft, custardy interior, often flavoured with rum and vanilla. But did you know that canelés were invented as a way to use up excess egg yolks?

In the 18th century, Bordeaux winemakers used egg whites to clarify (or “fine”) their wines, leaving them with a surplus of yolks. Resourceful nuns at the Couvent des Annonciades combined the yolks with flour, sugar, and milk to create the first canelés. Over time, the pastry gained popularity and became a beloved symbol of Bordeaux’s culinary heritage. Today, canelés are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, often paired with a glass of the famous Sauternes.