We have Joan of Arc to thank. Bordeaux, some of the most expensive wine in the world, was at one point a part of the British Empire!
Situated at a major estuary, Bordeaux of Acquitaine was both a port town and a strategic military location. When the British invaded in 1415, they used the mostly self-sufficient town as a bargaining chip.
Export to England created a taste for this particular style with France's wealthy neighbor, and the trade relationship would continue long Joan of Arc turned the tides of the Hundred Years' War with the battle of Orleans, and Bordeaux was returned to the French.
For hundreds of years, all wines that left Bordeaux's port would be stamped with the appellation. Given the high prices that these wines can fetch, strict laws now dictate which A VAs are considered to be a part of the Bordeaux region and subregions, like St.-Emilion, Margaux, Pauillac, and are known for their own distinct styles and varietal blends.
Bordeaux is so consistently popular that they are the first region to sell futures, meaning you can bid on bottles even before they are produced. Having the funds upfront is a luxury few farmers can afford, and can guarentee a more consistent harvest.
The British still have their own name for red Bdx blends: Claret. Look for Claret if you want Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot - maybe with a small amount of Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec - without Bordeaux prices.
(Try: Robert Foley, The Griffin.)
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