Definition

1. Proper noun:

   • A port city in southwestern France: A major urban center in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, historically famous as a hub for the wine trade.
   • The wine-producing region surrounding this city: Refers to the area in France where Bordeaux wines are produced.

2. Noun (often uncountable):

   • A type of wine from the Bordeaux region: Any of the red, white, or rosé wines produced in the Bordeaux region of France. The term can also be used informally for wines that resemble the style of classic Bordeaux wines.

Usage and Examples

• Proper noun (referring to the city/region):

  • We spent a week touring the vineyards near Bordeaux.
  • Bordeaux is a beautiful city on the Garonne River.

• Noun (referring to the wine):

  • For dinner, we opened a bottle of Bordeaux.
  • He prefers a full-bodied red Bordeaux to a Burgundy.

Advanced Usage

• Used attributively (as an adjective): The word can function like an adjective to describe things related to the city, region, or wine.
  • The Bordeaux wine classification system is famous.
  • We admired the Bordeaux architecture.

Variants and Related Words

• Bordeaux blend: A wine, not necessarily from Bordeaux, made from the grape varieties traditionally used in that region (typically Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec for reds).
• Claret: A traditional British term for red Bordeaux wine.

Synonyms

• Claret (specifically for red Bordeaux wine).
• For the city/region: There is no direct synonym, but it can be referred to as "the wine capital" in context.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary modern use of "Bordeaux" as a common noun refers to the wine. When capitalized, it typically refers to the geographical place.
• While the reference mentions "white wines," red Bordeaux wines are the most famous and commonly associated with the name.

Noun

1. any of several red or white wines produced around Bordeaux, France or wines resembling them
2. a port city in southwestern France; a major center of the wine trade