How are inexpensive red wines typically produced in Bordeaux?

Inexpensive red wines produced in Bordeaux are typically characterized by a higher proportion of Merlot in the blend. Merlot is often favored for these wines because it ripens relatively early and can produce softer, fruit-forward flavors that make the wine approachable and ready to drink at a younger age. This aspect is particularly appealing to casual consumers who seek value in their wine purchases.

Furthermore, the characteristics of Merlot, such as its lower tannin levels compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, contribute to a smooth and easy-drinking profile. As a result, inexpensive Bordeaux reds usually focus on blending with a significant amount of Merlot while often incorporating lesser quantities of other grapes, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, to add some complexity but without dominating the wine.

In contrast, a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon would likely lead to a wine that requires more aging and may not fit the profile of inexpensive, ready-to-drink wines. Additionally, using new oak for maturation tends to increase the costs of production and influence flavor profiles significantly, making such wines less likely to be categorized as inexpensive. Fermenting in open-top tanks is more common in premium wine production for better control of extraction and cap management, which again aligns less with the goal of producing inexpensive wines.