Blaye,
a terroir with style
Specifications that leave nothing to chance and great wines with superb aging potential, lovingly tended by expert hands… Blaye is the jewel in the crown of the Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux region. Not forgetting its impressive terroir overlooking the estuary!
What is the Blaye wine region ?
Key points to remember
- 37 hectares of vines and a handful of authentic estates around the town of Blaye. This little-known appellation belongs to the far larger Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux PDO.
- A patchwork of terroirs planted on slopes running along the banks of the Gironde estuary. Here, in addition to the breathtaking landscape, the vines enjoy the perfect balance between ocean spray, an enviably mild climate, and wonderfully varied soils (but we’ll talk more about that later).
- The demands are constant with a minimum of 6,000 vines per hectare, limited yields, and many months of barrel aging, all coming together to produce wines that make the Blaye region proud.
Why do people love Blaye and its wines?
- Because they combine roundness and character, like only the great Bordeaux wines know how to
- Because, with such a wide range of terroirs, there’s something to suit all tastes!
- Because the dedicated winegrowers who craft them are truly passionate about their work
- Because in Blaye, winegrowing often runs in the family with the baton passed on from one generation to the next
- Because Blaye and its surroundings thrive on social events, including the Printemps des Vins festival within the Citadel of Blaye, the Vins de Blaye marathon, walks, brunches and concerts in the vineyards… Get your diaries out!
- Because with 1.5 kilometers of fortifications facing the estuary, the Citadel of Blaye is the perfect place to stretch your legs after a few wine tastings
What is the Blaye style?
Compared to the wines of the Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux PDO, here you will find more assertive cuvées.
The appellation is home to well-structured red wines, designed to stand the test of time.
Deep crimson in color, they immediately catch the eye. Straightforward and powerful fruity notes take the lead on the nose. Black and red fruit follow through to the palate with floral nuances and hints of mint and green peppercorns. The texture is round and truly appealing.
Blaye wines are perfect paired with a delicious meal shared with family or friends.
Which kind of wines can be found in Blaye?
Red wines are the single, but delicious, rule of thumb!
The PDO’s wines rely on a blend of at least two grape varieties, with a minimum 50% Merlot for its smoothness and roundness. To accompany it, you can count on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc or Malbec. Carménère and Petit Verdot sometimes join the show in smaller quantities.
Fun facts
Three fun facts you need to know about Blaye
We’ve got a whole host of charming features to tell you about.
1.
The Citadel of Blaye, a masterpiece built by Vauban and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not just beautiful to behold. Alongside Fort Médoc and Fort Pâté, it once formed a barrier across the estuary to protect the city of Bordeaux. Fortunately for us, its doors are open today to welcome history buffs and wine enthusiasts alike..
2.
Blaye had made a name for itself as early as the 17th century. Its wines traveled all the way to London and rivaled its Médoc counterparts there.
3.
Hidden within the Citadel, the Clos de l’Échauguette is an exceptional organic micro-vineyard producing only 700 bottles a year of 100% Merlot wines. Consider yourself lucky if you ever get the chance to taste one!
Let’s talk about the soil:
Depending on their preferences, grape varieties are spoiled for choice in Blaye, as every part of the vineyard offers a different type of soil.
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To the west, around the town, clay-limestone gives the wines structure and elegance. Sand and gravel further north brilliantly reveal the aromas of Merlot. To the southeast lies a real patchwork of soils. In short, diversity comes second nature to the area.
Let’s travel back in time:
Vines were planted in the Blaye region as early as the Gallo-Roman period, and its wines gained popularity in Rome. Estates popped up all along the estuary, benefiting from maritime transport that carried the delicious wines – and their excellent reputation – far and wide. In the Middle Ages, Blaye continued to thrive: barrels traveled to multiple destinations and the region prospered
Under the reign of Louis XIV, the needs of the military took over and the town, which stood guard over the city of Bordeaux, had to put aside its winegrowing activities for a time. However, the 18th century saw the development of new techniques in the vineyard and cellar, injecting new impetus into the wines. The 19th century brought with it the challenge of phylloxera, but Blaye made a determined recovery.
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The Blaye PDO for red wines was finally created in 1938. Half a century later, young winegrowers gave the area a fresh boost by opening the Maison du Vin de Blaye, opposite the Citadel. From tastings to tips, it continues to give wine lovers and curious minds an insight into what makes the appellation so special.
