The Bordeaux region straddles the Garonne and Dordogne rivers which join up to form the Gironde just north of the city itself and benefits from several different geological and climatic conditions. Almost all Bordeaux is made by blending two or more varieties of grape. The dominant reds are cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot while the whites are sémillon, sauvignon blanc and muscadelle.

West of the river has soils with a high gravel content that favour the cabernet sauvignon varietal. These wines will usually require more time to mature and will age for years. The east side of the river, however, lends itself to soil with more clay, preferring the merlot varietal, with its early-ripening characteristics.