Is Bordeaux Red Wine dry? Yes, and here’s why it matters

Many people are surprised to learn that nearly all red wines from Bordeaux are dry. At Château Canon Chaigneau, we’re often asked:

“Is your wine sweet or dry?”
“Do you add sugar?”
“It’s smooth, but is there residual sugar in it?”

Let’s clear this up.

First: What dry doesn’t mean

“Dry” in wine has nothing to do with how tannic or powerful it is.
It simply means that there’s little to no residual sugar left after fermentation, typically less than 4 g/L. In other words: all the grape sugar has been transformed into alcohol.

So yes, a dry red wine can be soft, fruity, even silky…
but not sweet.

And what dry does mean

When we say Canon Chaigneau wines are dry, we mean:

• We ferment fully to the end

• We don’t add sugar post-fermentation

• The balance comes from fruit, acidity, tannins, and texture, not sweetness

This allows for:

• Better aging potential

• More food-friendly wines

• A style that reflects the grape and terroir, not tricks

What about Chaptalisation?

Yes, in Bordeaux, chaptalisation (adding a bit of sugar before fermentation) is legal and sometimes used, especially in cooler vintages. At Canon Chaigneau, we may use a touch only if absolutely needed, and only to bring the natural alcohol level to a reasonable balance, never above 13.5%.

Many of our wines reach 13.5–14% alcohol naturally (2018, 2019, 2020...), with no sugar added, just fully ripe Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
In cooler or rainier vintages like 2021 or 2024, we do occasionally chaptalise — not to make the wine stronger, but to ensure balance and avoid a flat, diluted profile.

Read our article about chaptalisation here. 

How dry Red Wines pair so well

One of the best things about dry Bordeaux reds is their incredible versatility with food.
They’re excellent with:

• Grilled meats

• Roasted vegetables

• Mushroom dishes

• Cheese boards

A dry wine lets the ingredients shine, with freshness, depth, and no cloying finish.

Want to try one (or more)?

If you’re new to Bordeaux, try our Tasting Discovery Case, 6 vintages, all naturally dry, balanced, and full of character.
Or explore our Cuve 8a 2022 for something fresher and fruit-driven.