This Appellation, between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, has made considerable technical advances. It offers surprises with its lively and smooth dry white wines, and with its highly aromatic Sauvignons.
Entre-Deux-Mers wines are produced throughout the area between Bordeaux's two great rivers.
Many winegrowers can be found in this region of parcelled vineyards and low average surface areas. Producers are members of cooperatives, which have played a very important role in the rebirth of these wines and in their exceptional value for money.
In fact, the large structured cooperatives successfully shared information about recent research in oenology and agronomics with small winegrowers. The results can easily be tasted in the glass.
The cooperatives are at the leading edge of the study of aromas produced by the various grape varieties, with a specific focus on Sauvignon, the star grape variety of Entre-deux-Mers. This aromatic grape variety is high in acidity and today is the subject of vinification studies in the search for a balance between its powerful aromas and acidity. These techniques produce wines that are very fragrant and lively without being too nervous.
While the primary grape variety cultivated in Entre-deux-Mers is Sauvignon, Sémillon (which adds roundness and power) is its preferred partner. Muscadelle sometimes adds highly appreciated wild and musky notes.
The wines are produced in clay-limestone soils and are distinguished by a thirst-quenching freshness, but also by good persistence of aromas with notes of citrus, yellow flowers and exotic fruit.
In the southern part of the region, the little-known Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge AOC produces similar wines. It takes its name from the Château de Benauge, the seat of the Viscount who governed the region.
Annual yearly production: 59 046 hL
Declared surface: 1 479 ha
