Bordeaux unveils modernisation drive

Bordeaux has outlined its latest sustainability measures, new wine styles and UK activity programme as it positions itself as a more modern wine region.

Bordeaux has unveiled a broad update on its evolution as a wine region, focusing on innovation, sustainability and changing consumer preferences as it marks 90 years as an AOC.

In a release issued by the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB), the region said it has spent the past five years accelerating its transformation through new wine styles, sustainability initiatives and trade and consumer-facing activity both in France and the UK.

New styles and Crémant growth

Bordeaux said it is continuing to diversify its offer while maintaining its reputation for age-worthy wines.

Among the developments highlighted were new styles within existing appellations. Entre-deux-Mers, traditionally associated with dry white wines, is now also producing red wines, while the Médoc is reviving dry white winemaking rooted in an 18th-century tradition. Bordeaux claret has also been repositioned as a lighter, fresher and more fruit-forward red style within the appellation.

The region also pointed to the continued growth of Crémant de Bordeaux.

Production has increased fourfold over the past decade. In 2025, exports reached 56,000 hectolitres, equivalent to 7.5 million bottles. This represented a 35% increase in volume and a 37% rise in value compared with 2024. The UK remained the second-largest export market, rising 29% in value and accounting for 14% of total exports.

Bordeaux said the Crémant category is also expanding stylistically, with newer formats including Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and Extra Brut, which contains between 0g and 6g of residual sugar per litre. Organic, Vegan, natural and atypical blends, including 100% Sémillon expressions, were also highlighted.

2025 vintage sees lower yields

Bordeaux described the 2025 vintage as an “exceptional” year despite another drop in yields.

Production totalled 2.9 million hectolitres of wines under Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP), down 12% on 2024. Vineyard area also fell 9% year on year to 86,000 hectares, the lowest level recorded since 1986.

According to Bordeaux, the quality of the vintage reflects both favourable natural conditions and the “skill and adaptability” of its winemakers in responding to climate change.

The region said red wines from 2025 show “outstanding fruit expression and freshness” while maintaining moderate alcohol levels. Sparkling and dry white wines were described as aromatic and vibrant, with Sauvignons showing citrus and guava notes and Sémillons offering fuller-bodied styles. Sweet wines were also singled out for their aromatic vibrancy and elegant texture.

Sustainability targets and lighter bottles

Bordeaux also used the announcement to reiterate its sustainability commitments.

Its “Sustainable Impact” programme now operates as a sector-wide audited CSR framework covering environmental protection, value chain resilience, biodiversity, climate adaptation, responsible sourcing and workplace health and safety.

The programme currently includes 69 wine estates, 23 merchant houses and one cooperative cellar, representing nearly 10,000 hectares and 3,300 employees.

On packaging, Bordeaux said it has focused on reducing CO2 emissions from glass since 2007. Average bottle weight currently stands at 443g, with a sector target to reduce this by 10% by 2030.

Alongside lighter bottles, producers are also updating labels using recycled and alternative fibres, less ink and QR-led information. Bordeaux has additionally committed to selling at least 10% of its wines in France in reusable packaging from 2027 onwards.

UK activity planned

Bordeaux also confirmed a programme of UK events for 2026.

The region will appear at the London Wine Fair from 18 to 20 May at Stand E37, where six winemakers, négociants and co-ops will present wines as part of the Bordeaux Crew.

Bordeaux will also return to The Big Feastival in Oxfordshire from 28 to 30 August, serving wines on tap and hosting tutored speed tastings.

Meanwhile, Bordeaux Wine Month will return in September for its ninth year, involving more than 100 independent wine merchants across the UK through tastings, promotions and masterclasses.

The update also coincides with the 10th anniversary of La Cité du Vin, which has welcomed nearly 3.5 million visitors since opening in June 2016. The Bordeaux wine museum will mark the milestone this June with a series of events and the return of Via Sensoria, its sensory tasting experience.

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