Côtes de bordeaux, the family which stands proud
When five historic appellations (Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon, Francs and Sainte-Foy) decided to team up under the same family name, the Côtes de Bordeaux PDO was born. A first in the Bordeaux region! The result? Easygoing wines with an emphasis on pleasure and sharing.
What is the Côtes de Bordeaux wine region?
Key points to remember
- Five communal appellations (Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon, francs and Sainte-Foy) united under a sixth umbrella appellation which can produce wines from their five terroirs: the Côtes de Bordeaux
- A total production area of 8,500 hectares, i.e. 9% of the Bordeaux area under vine and 715 hectares shared within the umbrella appellation.
- A hilly terrain (and yes, that’s why we talk about “Côtes” de Bordeaux, given that “côtes” means “slopes” in French) with south and southwest sun exposure and mainly composed of clay-limestone and gravelly soils. The vines benefit from the influence of the Gironde Estuary, as well as the Dordogne, the Garonne and other surrounding rivers. All this results in vines bathed in sunshine, with just the right amount of wind exposure
Why do people love the Côtes de Bordeaux and their wines?
- Because they offer the perfect equation: quality, pleasure and affordable prices. A recipe for success!
- Because they are home to small estates, which are often family-owned and cleverly combine tradition and innovation
- Because their winemakers have mastered the art of blending inside out
- Because their winegrowers love to meet people, whether at their estates, at wine retailers, trade fairs, during open days or other events
- Because you can never tire of their sloped vineyards overlooking various waterways
- Because this region boasts a rich history, with its old stone villages, citadels, bastides and fortified castles, and much more!
What is the Côtes de Bordeaux style?
Their wines irresistibly combine elegance, deliciousness, roundness and structure with a distinctive simplicity.
The underlying theme: guaranteed pleasure
The winegrowers in the Côtes de Bordeaux have inherited a solid knowledge of their soils and terroirs, which allows them to work wonders in the cellar. Alongside this, their blending expertise and a clever mix of tradition and innovation produce high-quality wines to suit all tastes.
Whether you’re in Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon, Francs or Sainte-Foy, each has its own charm, special characteristics and aromatic flavors which make it unique.
As with any big family, all five members of the Côtes de Bordeaux have their own personality!
Which kind of wines can be found in the Côtes de Bordeaux?
Red wines through and through..
Each Côtes de Bordeaux grape variety has its own role to play. Merlot adds roundness and smoothness. Cabernet Sauvignon contributes power and structure. Cabernet Franc provides elegance. Not forgetting Malbec (or Côt), which is sometimes included to spice things up. A blend which proves that teamwork makes the dream work !
For enthusiasts like yourselves : Comment garder un vin ?
Fun Facts
Five fun facts you need to know about the Côtes de Bordeaux
Yes, each of the appellation’s five terroirs deserves its own anecdote!
1.
Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux owes its prestige to the Citadel of Blaye, a masterpiece by Vauban listed a UNESCO world heritage site. At the time, their wines were said to “travel better” than those of the Médoc thanks to their tannins.
2.
Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux is named after the Battle of Castillon, which signaled the end of the Hundred Years’ War and the English reign over the Aquitaine region. Here we love to recall how this victory marked “the liberation of Bordeaux wines”.
3.
While Francs – Côtes de Bordeaux is one of the smallest appellations in this large family, its vineyards are also one of the oldest in the Bordeaux region. Its name is a nod to the Frankish colonies who settled in the area, under the impetus of Charlemagne.
4.
Yes, Cadillac – Côtes de Bordeaux is actually linked to the famous American car! Originally from the Bordeaux region, Antoine de La Mothe, the Sieur of Cadillac, gave his name to a town in Michigan… and the car brand
5.
Sainte-Foy – Côtes de Bordeaux is one of the least-known appellations in the Bordeaux region and a firm favorite among fans of micro-estates.
Let’s talk about the soil:
The Côtes de Bordeaux boast many assets. Among them are undoubtedly their sloped hillsides and soils consisting predominantly of clay-limestone, propitious to excellent drainage
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Other types of soils also co-exist: gravelly, sandy, gravelly clay and sandy clay. To sum up, a wide range of combinations allowing each grape variety to find its ideal plot.
Let’s travel back in time:
As of 1985, the winegrowers of the ancient terroirs of Blaye, Castillon, Francs and Cadillac teamed up and created the Côtes de Bordeaux Association. The aim?
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To promote their wines under a single voice. In 2009, this synergy became even more official with the recognition of the Côtes de Bordeaux PDO and its shared specifications. Sainte-Foy joined the group in 2016.
The name “Côtes de Bordeaux” evokes both the sloped terrain of all five terroirs and their Bordeaux roots. This umbrella appellation allows winegrowers, cooperative cellars and negociants to offer wines under a simple, clear name which fine wine enthusiasts can easily remember. A gamble that paid off!
