Bordeaux

On December 19, 1154, with the ascension of Henry II of England to the English throne, Bordeaux became part of the Angevin Empire. This political shift occurred through the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Duchess of Aquitaine, to Henry II. As a result, Bordeaux and its prized vineyards came under the control of the English crown. This connection greatly influenced the wine trade, as Bordeaux wines began being exported to England, fostering a long-standing relationship that boosted Bordeaux's economy and international wine trade presence. The Angevin period marked the beginning of Bordeaux's global wine prominence.

The Battle of Castillon on July 17, 1453, marked the definitive end of the Hundred Years' War and resulted in Bordeaux reverting to French control. The English had ruled Bordeaux for three centuries, and the battle was a decisive victory for the French forces, who used innovative artillery tactics. This victory was significant as it restored the city and its lucrative wine trade to the French crown. Bordeaux's reintegration into France was crucial in shaping its cultural and economic identity, eventually contributing to its development as a major wine-exporting center in subsequent centuries.

On April 22, 1777, Thomas Jefferson, then serving as the American Minister to France, made a famous visit to Bordeaux. During his stay, Jefferson toured several vineyards and became incredibly impressed with the quality of Bordeaux wines. He documented his experiences in detail and began to promote Bordeaux wines back in the United States. His advocacy for these wines significantly helped boost their popularity and established a long-lasting connection between Bordeaux and American wine lovers. Jefferson's influential visit is often credited with opening new markets for Bordeaux wines and enhancing international appreciation for their exceptional quality.

In April 1855, during the Exposition Universelle de Paris, the official Bordeaux Wine Classification of 1855 was established, classifying the wines of the Médoc region. This classification system ranked the top Bordeaux wines into five crus or 'growths'. The wines were categorized based on their reputation and trading price at the time. Even today, this 1855 classification is highly respected and continues to confer prestige on the classified wines and their chateaux. It was a pivotal moment for Bordeaux’s international wine reputation, setting standards for excellence that persist to this day.

The establishment of the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system in 1935 marked a turning point for Bordeaux wines, providing a legal framework to protect the names of wines and their places of origin. The AOC regulations set strict quality criteria that producers must adhere to, ensuring that the characteristics of Bordeaux wines were maintained and authentic. This system helped to preserve the tradition and heritage of Bordeaux wine production, allowing the region to uphold its reputation as a world leader in wine quality and authenticity.

On June 14, 1940, during World War II, Bordeaux temporarily became the seat of the French government. This occurred following the German invasion of France and the subsequent fall of Paris. The French government relocated to Bordeaux for safety before finally settling in Vichy. During its brief time as the provisional capital, Bordeaux played a critical role in the government's operations and the negotiation of the French armistice with Germany. This period was marked by intense political activity and logistical challenges in the face of rapidly advancing German forces.

On March 21, 1960, the creation of the Official Classification for Bordeaux wines of the Médoc and Graves regions was an important event that provided validation and marketing advantages for the wines. The classification cemented the reputation of these regions for producing high-quality wines, and it served as a guide for consumers and industry professionals worldwide. Particularly, it acknowledged the importance of terroir and the consistent excellence of wines from these appellations, helping to secure Bordeaux's place in the wine industry's highest echelons.

In 1969, a new official wine classification was established in Bordeaux for wines from the Graves region, which distinguished and acknowledged the quality and characteristics of wines from this prestigious area. This classification was intended to provide a guarantee of quality to buyers and to promote the region's viticultural excellence on the global stage. It was an important addition to Bordeaux's reputation for producing some of the world's finest wines, and it focused on categorized wines that had consistently demonstrated superior quality over time.

The Maison de l'Économie Créative et de la Culture en Aquitaine (MECA), a significant cultural hub, was inaugurated in Bordeaux on October 5, 2019. This creative space brings together multiple cultural entities and offers exhibitions, performances, and events aimed at enriching the cultural landscape of the region. Designed by architect Bjarke Ingels, MECA stands as an emblematic structure symbolizing Bordeaux's commitment to fostering arts and culture. Its opening marked a new chapter in the city's cultural dynamism, attracting local and international interest in its innovative programs.

Bordeaux, the renowned wine city in France, declared a climate emergency in 2020 to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change on its wine industry and surrounding environment. This initiative involved new policies to promote sustainable practices in viticulture, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance climate resilience. Wine producers in Bordeaux have experienced climate-related challenges, including shifts in grape phenology, and this declaration underscored the urgent need for adaptation strategies in the region.