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Introduction
It is probably worthwhile taking another look at the major elements that go
into the making of the finest wines : just the right balance of soil type,
topography. climate and grape varieties.
Such a balance is to be found in the
Bordeaux region, exactly half way between the North Pole and the Equator. A
place where earth, sun and grape vines have joined forces to create something
exquisite and unique. The Gironde countryside is generally gently rolling. with
few steep rises. Vast pine forests protect the carpet of vines from chilly winds
off the Atlantic. and grapes ripen slowly and evenly in a climate without
extremes of temperature.
The gifts nature has bestowed on Bordeaux would be completely sterile without
the experience acquired by centuries of local Winegrowers, who painstakingly
worked out which grape varieties gave the best results in which vineyards. The
list of Bordeaux grape varieties may, in fact, seem quite short, hut this is
only because a selection of the best ones was made through a process of
elimination lasting many, many years.
As opposed to some other vineyard
regions, no Bordeaux wine is made from just one grape variety. Each estate
usually has two or three different types of vines planted according to which is
best suited to the soil of specific small vineyard plots.
Choosing the right proportion of grape varieties is one of the major factors
in determining the ultimate quality of Bordeaux wine. Being the largest area of
fine wine vineyards in the world, it is easy to understand why there is such a
wide range of different-tasting Bordeaux wines when one considers the great
number of soil types and grape varieties in the area. In fact, the Bordeaux
vineyards form the largest fine wine producing area in the world, covering
100,000 hectares (250,000 acres) and yielding some 600 million bottles a year.
The Gironde department is the largest in France. It is approximately 105
kilometres( 65 miles) from north to south and 130 kms. (80 miles ) from east to
west.
The Bordeaux region attracts many tourists in the summer thanks to its large
freshwater lakes and miles of ocean beaches. However. the area is also well
worth discovering in the autumn, at vintage time, when the colours of the forest
blend with the bright tints of vine leaves. This is the moment when, if you look
very carefully, you will notice a thousand details that differentiate Bordeaux
wines, which can be divided into 6 basic groups :
Red wines : Medoc and Graves, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Fronsac, and
Bordeaux and Cotes.
White wines : dry wines, semi- sweetwines and
sweetwines.
The Bordeaux region also produces sparkling white and rose wines under the
Cremant de Bordeaux appellation, as well as an excellent brandy, La Fine
Bordeaux, whose production is strictly regulated.
Appellations French appellations controlees not only identify a wine's
region of origin, but also ensure quality due to strictly enforced rules
specifying acceptable soil types, grape varieties, maximum yields, winemaking
methods, etc. Even in an area like Bordeaux, there are places (marshland, for
instance) that are unsuitable for making fine wine.
Such land is barred from
producing appellation commonplace, volume-producing varieties are prohibited.
Furthermore, official agencies define and enforce limits as regards the number
of vines per acre, pruning, maximum yields, alcohol levels, etc. The French
I.N.A.O. (Institut National des Appellations d'0rigine) makes sure that the
rules are fully enforced.
The 6 groups of Bordeaux wine appellations
Red wines: Medoc and
Graves
Appellations:
1 Medoc Haut-Medoc , Graves,
Saint-Estephe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Listrac , Moulis, Margaux
,Pessac-Leognan
Red wines: the Libourne
region
Appellations:
2 Saint-Emilion, Saint-Emilion
Grand Cru ,Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion ,.Lussac-Saint-Emilion,
Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion ,Pomerol, Lalande-de-Pomerol, Fronsac
,Canon-Fronsac.
Red wines:
Bordeaux
Appellations:
3 Bordeaux ,Bordeaux
Superieur, Bordeaux Rose ,Bordeaux Clairet.
Red wines: Les
Cotes
Appellations:
4 Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux,
Cotes de Bourg, Premieres Cotes de Blaye, Cotes de Castillon,
Cotes de
Francs, Graves de Vayres.
White wines: dry
whites
Appellations:
5 Graves, Pessac-Leognan,
Entre-Deux-Mers and Entre-Deux-Mers Haut-Benauge Cotes de Blaye, Cotes de Bourg,
Graves de Vayres, Bordeaux and Bordeaux Haut-Benauge
White wines:
Semi-sweet and sweet white wines;
Appellations:
6
Sauternes, Barsac, Cerons, Loupiac, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Cadillac, Premieres
Cotes de Bordeaux Graves Superieures, Cotes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire
-Sainte-Foy- Bordeaux Bordeaux Superieur
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MEDOC AND GRAVES REGION
The Medoc and Graves have always been considered as closely-related regions
and, although each area has its own well-established reputation, they have many
characteristics in common.
First of all, the geography and history of both
the Medoc and Graves brings them together. The two appellations. placed end to
end, form a long. narrow hand stretching over 100 klms. (62 miles from the
P'ointe de Grave in the north to city) of Langon in the south.
Anyone
visiting these Two regions will see that the soils are quite similar."The poorer
the soil, the richer the wine" goes a local saying. Other than comparable
topography and climate the Medoc and Graves- also share a similar sort of Wine
maker : hardworking. opinionated men who have maintained a tradition of quality
throughout the centuries.
These same men sought markets around the world for
their wines, and contributed immensely to the growth of the city of Bordeaux and
its port. Without them Bordeaux Would not have become the World Capital of Wine
that it is today.
Geography
The Medoc juts into the ocean like the prow of a ship,
bordered on the west by a hand of pine forests, and on the east by the Gironde
Estuary, This peninsula contains 121000 hectares (30.000 acres) of vines on
gravelly rises called croupes in French.
The Graves appellation extends in a
south-easterly direction from the Medoc along the left bank of the Garonne
River. The Graves is 5O km. (30 miles) long and 10 to 15 km. (6 to 9 miles)
wide.
The Vineyards
Soil in the Medoc and Graves is poor and gravelly
with excellent drainage, and is ideally suited to wine growing. A climate that
knows no real extremes of temperature also contributes to producing some of the
world's greatest wines. The premium grape varieties, Cabernet and Merlot find
their ultimate expression in soil of smooth. round pebbles on clay, limestone,
or sandy subsoil.
The Appellations
Wines from the Medoc and Graves are divided into
the following ten appellations : Medoc Haut-Medoc Saint Estephe, Pauillac,
Saint-Julien, Listrac, Moulis, Margaux. Graves and Pessac-Leognan.
Classified wines in the Medoc and Graves
The great growths of the
Medoc were classified in 1855 and 19731 whereas the Graves classification dates
from 19i9 A classification of crus bourgeois, or bourgeois growths, was made in
1912. A newer list was drawn up by the members of the Syndicat des Crus
Bourgeois In 1966. Though not included in any official hierarchy, there are also
excellent bottles to be found among crus artisans and other wines, both with and
without a chateau name, that come from vineyards belonging to independent
winegrowers. co-operative cellars and shippers.
Tasting Medoc wines
First of all hold a glass up to the light and
appreciate the wines beautiful ruby colour. Next inhale the floral, fruity
aromas of a fine young Medoc. or the more powerful. complex bouquet of an older
one. Then., take a sip and appreciate the wines finesse and depth.
It has a
strong backbone without being heady, it is full and flavour some without being
aggressive What incredible finesse !
Graves wines
Graves reds are also a magnificent. brilliant. ruby
red. They have a delicate bouquet and are altogether rich, full- bodied wines.
This does not. however, stop them from being remarkably elegant. Their highly
individual taste is often compared to the Medoc. This is only part of the story
though. because even if Graves reds possess many of the same qualities. they
always have their own special cachet.
Ageing
An important element in selecting Medoc wines is their
incomparable ;Ageing potential. The entire "upbringing" of these wines has been
oriented towards long ageing, and many wines do not reveal all their charms when
young.
Medoc and Graves spend up to 18 months ageing in oak barrels (in which
the staves are split rather than sawn) and undergo natural clarification. Thanks
to this long, slow, barrel-ageing the wines acquire wood tannin and considerable
aromatic subtlety. With time, they take on a wonderful colour. bouquet and
fullness. Once bottled, the wines will keep and develop in a cool, dark cellar
for many years - just waiting for the moment When they have come into their
prime to he uncorked and appreciated.
Enjoying Medoc and Graves
There are no hard and fast rules to the
art of serving Medoc and Graves. The only real prerequisite is to be prepared
for the tasting pleasure ahead ! The most important choice concerns the vintage.
The rule of thumb is : serve younger and lighter wines before older and more
full- bodied ones. A fairly young Medoc ever- so slightly chilled is the ideal
wine to serve with an impromptu meal. Serving a venerable old bottle on the
other hand, demands a certain amount of forethought. Do not shake it up When
removing it From the cellar, and make sure to bring it slowly up to cool room
temperature 118" C. 64" F.), Uncork the bottle one hour before it is to be
served.
Contact with air at this point is beneficial to the wine and helps
bring out its bouquet.
Decanting is by no means an absolute necessity if the
wine is not shaken up too much when being served. The best Wineglasses to use
are the tulip- shaped Bordeaux variety. Their shape and finesse will enhance the
wines colour, bouquet and flavour.
Matching Medoc & Graves with food Medoc and Graves wines are a fine
accompaniment to just about everything! They go particularly well with white
meat, cheeses. cepes (boletus mushrooms) and even red berries (strawberries,
raspberries, etc.)! the latter combination being an old Medoc tradition.
Practically the only food to avoid is salad dressing with vinegar which kills
the taste of wine.
Touring: the Medoc and Graves
Do not try to explore the Medoc and
Graves regions in a single day ! We advise you to take your time. just like the
wine makers do... However, if your stay in Bordeaux is only a short one, some of
the most famous Graves vineyards are located on the very outskirts of the city.
If you have a little more time, you may wish to take the Graves de Leognan wine
trail or the Medoc trail from Blanquefort. (which is also quite close to the
city)· of Bordeaux. Every village you go through. every chateau you see! will be
an exciting discovery. and you will no doubt have very pleasant memories of the
welcome you receive at wine growing estates.
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Semi-Sweet & Sweet White Wines of Bordeaux
The only possible word is fabulous... When you admire the burnished golden
colour swirling in your glass, and rake in the powerful bouquet which is like no
other wine in the world... And then, when you have tasted the wine, savoured its
soft, indescribably rich and attractive taste. you will surely agree that there
can be no more fitting word than fabulous to describe these delicious wines.
A small vineyard region
The extremely attractive and relatively
small Sauternes region, which runs parallel to the left bank of the Garonne
River, covers an area of about 21000 hectares (5,000 acres) and is located 40
kms. (25, miles) south of the city of Bordeaux. The Sauternais teems with
chateaux and ancient farmhouses set in a landscape of low-lying hills and tiny
valleys. It is crossed by the Ciron. a small tributary of the Garonne. The
combination of geography topography. and the climatic incluence of the Ciron and
Garonne rivers gives the Sauternes region an absolutely unique micro climate. In
the autumn, morning fogs are soon followed by warm afternoon sunshine.
By
reading a little further, you will discover just how important this micro
climate is to the quality of Sauterne wines.
Appellations
The sweet and semi-sweet appellations naturally
include Sauterne and Barsac, but also Cerons, Sainte-Croix du-Mont, Loupiac,
Cadillac. Grave Superieures, Premieres Cotes d' Bordeaux and Cotes de Bordeaux
Saint Macaire.
Other appellations such as Saint Foy-Bordeaux and Bordeaux
Superieur also produce excellent semi-sweet wine.
Classification
The great growths (crus classes) Sauternes and
Barsac were classified the same time as the finest Medoc wine in 1851.
The
region also has the equivalent of crus bourgeois and other estate wines, which
are also chateau-bottled.
"Noble Rot"
In the Sauternes region, it is not enough for grapes to
be ripe to be good enough to be picked. They must also have been affected by a
tiny fungus called botrytis cinerea which causes what is rather poetically
termed "noble rot". Botrytis attacks both the skins and the insides of grapes,
turning them a purplish-grey colour and causing them to shrivel and dry
up.
This reduces the volume of grape juice, concentrating sugar and
flavour.
We previously mentioned the regions unique micro climate. It is just
this alternating moisture and dry heat that encourages the development of
botrytis.
Totally unique grape harvesting methods
Noble rot does not affect
all the bunches of grapes at the same time. For this reason, pickers must go
through the vineyards several times in order to select only the most botrytised
grapes. The vintage can last a month. a month and a half or even longer !
Furthermore, the grapes must be brought in completely Dry. Even a slight shower
means calling an immediate halt to picking. When one adds up all the unusual
aspects of harvesting grapes in the Sauternes region, it comes as no surprise
that production levels are extremely low. It has been said that yields in
Sauternes can be as low as the equivalent of one glass of wine per grape vine
!
Only such exceptionally low yields are capable of providing the quality
that makes Sauternes famous the world over. Fermentation is quite long in
Sauternes and demands a great deal of careful attention. The aim is to strike
just the right balance between alcohol and unfermented sugar that gives
Sauternes its quintessential character.
Tasting Sauternes
The entire gamut of wine tasting vocabulary
hardly suffices to describe the wines of Sauternes and Barsac. We have already
used the word fabulous. We ask you to judge for yourself ! Admire the golden
yellow colour of these wines, their inimitable bouquet, their finesse and
indescribably rich, sensuous flavour !
There are a great many reasons for
getting to know the wines of Sauternes.
Ageing Although very enjoyable to drink young, when they are fruity
and lively Sauternes develop a unique breeding, as well as extra richness and
body, with bottle age. Great vintages can go on improving for decades...
Enjoying Sauternes Sauternes wines are best served chilled, but not
iced. Contrary to popular belief, these are not simply dessert wines.
They
are also excellent as an aperitif and much appreciated throughout the meal. The
only important advice is to avoid drinking Sauternes with particularly sweet or
spicy foods.
Matching sweet white Bordeaux with food The choice here is very wide,
including fish in a sauce, white meats, poultry, foie gras Roquefort and other
soft cheeses, certain desserts such as sorbets. tarts, and nuts.
Touring the sweet-wine vineyards
All of the sweet wine producing
vineyards are located within a short distance of the confluence of the Ciron and
Garonne rivers. The area bordering the tiny Ciron is an excellent place to start
your tour. Fortified castles (Villandraut. Roquetaillade, etc.), in the
neighbouring Bazas region: built during the reign of Pope Clement V. are also
well worth a visit.
The Sauternes wine trail passes splendid 17th century
chateaux (locally referred to as "the Sun King's Castles) with magnificent
dove-cotes. On the other side of the Garonne, you can visit exotic grottos dug
out of fossilised oyster shells in which you can relax and appreciate the
charming sweet white wines of Sainte-Croix-du-Mont and Cadillac.
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Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Fronsac Regions
The famous Saint-Emilion Pomerol and Fronsac appellations are all in the
Libourne region, with similar geography and history. The three appellations are
separated from the rest of the Gironde by the Dordogne river, which contributes
to their individuality.
The Libourne region includes the following
appellations : Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Saint Emilion, Montagne Saint-Emilion,
Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion, Lussac Saint-Emilion, Puisseguin Saint-Emilion,
Pomerol, Lalande de Pomerol, Fronsac and Canon Fronsac.
Saint Emilion : 8
wine-producing villages, 1.000 chateaux and 5.000 hectares (12 000 acres) of
vines.
How can consumers find their way around this maze ?
The answer is
simply to read the label ! The words appellation controlee guarantee not only
that the wine has been produced within the Saint-Emilion area, but that it has
met strict quality standards that have given the wines their international
reputation. Furthermore, all Saint-Emilion wines are submitted to a very tough
tasting examination under the supervision of the I.N.A.O. (Institut National des
Appellations d'0rigine) Wines that do not pass the tasting examination are
forbidden from using the appellation If the name Saint-Emilion is on the label,
you can be sure the wine is good !
The 1954 classification, revised in 1969 and again 1986, currently includes
11 classified first growths and 63 classified growths. These wines, as well as a
hundred other estates, are entitled to the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru appellation.
This elite consists exclusively of chateaux bottled wines.
Saint-Emilion : An ancient heritage and a unique lifestyle
Ten,
twenty. or perhaps even thirty thousand years of history have had a huge impact
on Saint-Emilion. The city of Saint-Emilion and the surrounding area have a
special charm and a highly individual character. Vine-covered slopes stop just
short of Saint Emilion's 12th century fortifications and moats dug out of solid
rock. Local vineyard workers regularly dig up stone axes, arrowheads, and other
ancient artefacts when ploughing the vines. The entire region has innumerable
Gallo-Roman remains.
Saint-Emilion itself is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, with a number
of interesting monuments well worth visiting. A fundamental difference, however,
is that Saint-Emilion is very much of a living museum. The Eglise Monolithe,
nearly a thousand years old was the scene of town rurals swearing loyalty to
Richard the Lionheart. The church still resounds with the proclamation of
Vintage Banns to this very day, much as it did 800 years ago...
It is a pure
delight to visit this region so strongly marked by history and generations of
winegrowers. The latter have transmitted not only their professional know-how,
bur also a certain lifestyle combining country heartiness and aristocratic
finesse. The countless variations on this theme are to be found in the bouquets
of the thousand chateau wines of Saint-Emilion.
Cooking with Saint-Emilion
Saint-Emilion is one of the rare red
wines which can be used in cooking fish.
Everyone has heard of the famous
Bordeaux-style lamprey but the excellent "trout in Saint-Emilion" also deserves
to be better-known. The best wine to serve with either of these dishes is,
obviously, the same one that went into the cooking.
The same principle also
applies to poultry and beef dishes. Saint-Emilion even adds a touch of class to
some desserts. such as cooked pears, and fresh strawberries and peaches in wine.
Enjoying Saint-Emilion
In the first five years after the vintage,
wines from Saint-Emilion and neighbouring appellations are best served slightly
chilled (about 12c/54f.) with simple foods, such as good. crusty bread,
delicatessen meats and soft- ripened cheeses. These relatively young wines go
with just about everything. The younger they are, the more they suit
strongly-flavoured food such as game. Bordeaux-style lamprey, meat in a sauce
etc. Older wines are better-suited to roasts and leg of lamb. whereas quite old
wines are ideal with poultry and other white meats, mushrooms, etc.
Noble Pomerol
Pomerol is a minute. yet world- famous, appellation.
A mere !00 hectares (1,700 acres) of vines cover the gently rolling Pomerol
plateau. This tiny area is nevertheless divided among a large number of
winegrowers. The soil is gravelly with an iron-oxide sub-soil that gives Pomerol
its unique taste. Only the noblest grape varieties are used. particularly Merlot
and Cabernet Franc.
Though no such thing as an official classification exists
in Pomerol. there is a de facto one based on each chateau's track record.
Approximately 4O estates have virtual classified growth status and Pomerol`s
top chateau clearly ranks as one of the leading Wines in all of
Bordeaux.
Pomerol is an absolutely unique wine. unlike no other. A particular
Pomerols taste depends. of course. on the chateaux but all estates share a
certain elegant balance as well as a subtle bouquet of truffles, and a soft.
rich. highly individual, and occasionally flamboyant flavour. Tastewise, Pomerol
wines are a fascinating transition between Medoc-style finesse and the breeding
of Saint-Emilion.
It is also quite a versatile appellation in terns of matching food and wine .
Pomerol wines are unique in that they delight people with only a passing
acquaintance with fine wine as much as they do real connoisseurs.
The Lalande
de Pomerol appellation is hardly any bigger than its more famous neighbour.
Lalande de Pomerol produces excellent, though slightly less full-bodied wines.
Fronsac and Canon Fronsac, favourites of Charlemagne
Fronsac is a
small village with an old Romanesque church located 2 km. (a little over a mile)
north of the city of Libourne. The Fronsac vineyards can boast of a history
going back more than a thousand years. Though quite popular in France, Fronsac
has always been especially appreciated abroad. This is just one indication of
the wine's excellent reputation. Fronsac produces soft, elegant wines with a
unique spicy flavour. They are full- bodied, well-structured and relatively
strong. Fronsac adapts very well to different dishes, in much the same way as
other wines from the Libourne area.
Touring Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Fronsac
Like most other towns in
the Libourne region, Saint Emilion, Pomerol and Fronsac are slightly set back
from major transportation routes. The three appellations are well worth visiting
for more than just their wines. Local cooking is excellent. Almond macaroons
from Saint-Emilion are but one example. Those who appreciate art and history
will enjoy visiting local Romanesque churches, ancient manor houses, and other
reminders of a very long, enventful history.
Neither should the city of Libourne be overlooked. Fortification date from
the English period. Special mention should he made of Saint-Emilion. a
wonderfully preserved medieval gem. A visit to Saint-Emilion is tantamount to
being transported right back to the Middle Ages. Well-preserved monuments are
set atop a Vast network of underground caves that protected the first Christians
as well as Girondin deputies during the French Revolution.
Touring a
Saint-Emilion wine cellar and tasting from the barrel under the watchful eye of
the cellar master is an unforgettable experience.
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Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur
BORDEAUX AND BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR
One of the virtues of the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur appellations is to
offer us an enormous variety of delicious. good value wines. Though these may be
little known, each of them has its own personality, and connoisseurs can add
exciting new wines to their cellars.
The two appellations include more than a
thousand chateaux spread over an area with a 100 km. (62 mile) radius, and an
extraordinary range of vineyard soils.
A great variety of soils
Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur wines come
from areas which do not have a more specific regional or communal appellation.
Certain vineyards in the Libourne area are a good example. However, red wines
made in a white wine appellation such as Entre-Deux- Mers are another instance.
Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur wines are grown on the highest slopes of the
Gironde department, as well as on lower, flatter areas.
Though it is possible
to produce Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur throughout the Gironde department
(except for the southern part. taken up by pine forests), not just any soil
receives official authorisation for producing appellation controlee wines !
Plots entitled to the much-coveted appellation are carefully defined village by
village, after detailed soil studies. There are also strict laws governing grape
varieties. Only six are permitted Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot,
Malbec (also called Cot). Petit Verdot and Carmenere.
Four different Bordeaux appellations
The regional Bordeaux
appellation produces some 220 million bottles a year, and is further divided
into four appellations :
The largest by far is Bordeaux rouge. These wines
are well-balanced, subtle and good for your health. Their fruity bouquet and
lively taste are very attractive. The Bordeaux Superieur appellation is not a
separate geographic entity. hut rather a selection from within the Bordeaux
appellation. Bordeaux Superieur wines are have somewhat more body and a greater
ageing potential.
Bordeaux Rose production is on a much smaller scale, but
such wines are much appreciated for their fresh. charming qualities, and are at
their best within a year of the vintage.
Though frequently confused with the
preceding appellation, Bordeaux Clairet has its own personality as exemplified
by its deeper colour.
A thousand chateaux
The four appellations mentioned above cover
more than 30,000 hectares (75,000 acres) of vines divided into innumerable
estates. This has earned Bordeaux the nickname of the appellation with a
thousand chateaux."
Though some of these are indeed magnificent castles or
manor houses, most of the estates are humble country homes. often built in a
typically Girondin style. alongside the chai (a long. low above-ground wine
cellar). Everything is on a human scale, one of the endearing things about
visiting such estates, which have often been in the same family for
generations.
It would be a pity to overlook the Bordeaux and Bordeaux
Superieur appellations during a visit to the Gironde.
This would mean missing
out on meeting some really outstanding winegrowers who manifestly love their
land. their work and their region and enjoy talking about it. Your visit could
also be an ideal opportunity to select just the right wine for your palate and
your budget. Despite the strong family resemblance in all their wines. the
Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur appellations are a "happy hunting ground" for
medium-priced estate wines with a strong personality, reflecting the winegrowers
intense feeling for his vineyards. Appellation Bordeaux wines are wines to enjoy
with Sunday lunch, but are such good values that you can probably afford to
serve them every day of the week. This is one sure way to add a touch of genius
to any meal !
Touring the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur appellations You
will be able to find these wines almost everywhere in the Gironde as you Follow
tourist routes through other appellations. The Maison de la Qualite in
Beychac-et-Cailiau just off the main Bordeaux-Libourne road, is the logical
starting point for your trip.
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COTE REGION
The Cote`s wines of Bordeaux are scattered over a wide region stretching from
the borders of the Charentes to those of the Dordogne. in the heart of the
Bordeaux vineyards. The word cotes means hills or slopes in French. In Bordeaux,
it refers to hillside vineyards on the right bank of the Garonne and Dordogne
rivers as well as the Gironde Estuary.
Appellations and soil
Six appellations come under the heading of
Cotes : Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, Cotes de Bourg, Premiers Cotes de Blaye,
Cotes de Castillon,. Cotes de Francs and Graves de Vayres.
Cotes vineyards
share a certain number of similarities, especially the presence of
clay-limestone soil on hilltop vineyards, soil with more clay on the lower
slopes, and a touch of gravel here and there. Furthermore, all the vineyards
face south or south-west, absorbing maximum sunlight. It is not surprising that
such vineyards produce extremely pleasant. full-bodied, easy-to-drink wines of
character.
The Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux
The Premieres Cotes are located in
the heart of the Gironde, not far from the Graves. The vineyards take up a
narrow strip of land 60 kms. (40 miles) long and i km. (3 miles) wide, parallel
to the right bank of the Garonne. This splendid location gives Premieres Cotes
red wines their strong personality. The wines' well- deserved reputation. is due
to their deep colour, body and finesse.
The Cotes de Bourg
This region has long been a small separate
entity for historical reasons. It is sometimes called ;'Little Switzerland'
because of its steep hills on the right bank of the Dordogne. just up river from
its confluence with the Garonne.
As a typical Cotes wine. Bourg offers a wide
diversity of vineyard soils that change from estate to estate. Some wines have
more powerful tannin. while others possess a remarkable bouquet.
The Premieres Cotes de Blaye
The Premieres Cotes de Blaye are
located just north of the Bourg region on the right bank of the Gironde Estuary
across from the Medoc, and as far north as the boundary with the Charente-
Maritime department. The rich, fruity wines of the Blaye region, are much
appreciated. This is a region steeped in history and tradition, as evidenced by
the famous Citadel de Blaye and small fishing ports on the estuary.
The Cotes de Castillon This appellation faces the Dordogne river, to
the east of Saint-Emilion. Its name comes from the town of Castillon-
la-Bataille where the Hundred Years War came to an end. Cotes de Castillon wines
are full-bodied and generous, with considerable finesse.
Cotes de Francs This region can be considered the northern extension
of the previous appellation. The Cores de Francs produces wines somewhat similar
in character to the Cotes de Castillon.
Graves de Vayres These vineyards overlook the left bank of the
Dordogne south-east of the city of Libourne. The appellation takes its name from
the gravelly nature of its soil (made up of layers of alluvial pebbles of
varying thicknesses).
Touring the vineyards You will delight in discovering the soft, green
countryside "far from the madding crowd' where Cotes wines are made. Besides its
attractive landscape, wine and cuisine, the region also has major historical
significance.
Country houses and wine cellars set back among the vines are
full of history which their wine grower owners love to recount.
It is impossible to resist the local country inns and succulent entrecote
steaks served with cepes (boletus mushrooms). and what better wine to accompany
your meal than a delicious Cotes, which also suits most meat dishes and cheeses?
The Cotes are famous for historical monuments such as the Chateau de Vayres
and the Chateau de Cadillac, as well as the Citadelles in Bourg and Blaye and
not forgetting the prehistoric caves of Pair-non-Pair. The Cotes region has a
great many picturesque hamlets and tiny fishing ports on the Garonne. Dordogne
and Gironde.
The Corniche a road along the banks of the Garonne and the
Gironde, provides some beautiful scenic viewpoints.
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