Côtes de Bourg,
bursting with character
Combining tradition, quality and modernity, Côtes de Bourg proudly shows off its character. And above all, its hospitality which can be found both in the bottle and at winegrowing estates. The result: playful wines which reflect their terroir with a delicious grain of creativity added into the mix!
What is the Côtes de Bourg wine region?
Key points to remember
- 2,500 hectares, 250 winegrowers and 4 cooperatives across 15 communes.
- Vines planted on the Right Bank of the Gironde Estuary, 35 kilometers from Bordeaux. The hilly topography, which is sometimes really steep, benefits from greater sunshine and less rainfall than in surrounding areas. Best of all, it comes with a historic and architectural heritage which is well worth the detour.
- Expertise which respects the terroir and the environment and is passed down from one generation to the next in mainly family-owned estates spanning 10 hectares on average, serving as a real token of quality and authenticity.
Why do people love Côtes de Bourg and its wines?
- Because its heartwarming red wines combine quality, pleasure and drinkability and are perfect for sharing on any occasion
- Because its lively and refreshing white wines awaken the taste buds during the aperitif and go great with salty dishes reminiscent of the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
- Because its passionate winegrowers know how to host in style!
- Because here, protecting nature is a priority, with most vineyards HEV-certified or undergoing HEV certification
- Because at the Jéroboam 120, the restaurant nestled in the heart of Bourg, you can savor local wines while enjoying breathtaking views over the Dordogne. The bonus in summer: a bucolic open-air pop-up bar!
- Because the Côtes de Bourg wine road promises an unforgettable drive through sloped vineyards and family estates
What is the Côtes de Bourg style?
Above all, red wines from the Right Bank as we love them: a smooth, velvety texture and controlled balance with just the right amount of roundness and character.These generous red wines are incredibly charming.
While they offer multifaceted aromas thanks to the various grape varieties used, it’s definitely the ripe red and black fruit (such as raspberry and blackcurrant) and spices that prevail. Depending on the terroir and aging, you can also come across delicious, well-structured wines which can be cellared serenely for many years.
The white wines boast freshness and minerality. A brilliant light color, a lively initial impression, a well-balanced palate and elegant finish – everything is there to win over wine enthusiasts! Brilliant notes of citrus, white flowers and tropical fruit come to the fore on the nose.
Although these white wines are produced in smaller quantities, they are no less charming.
Which kind of wines can be found in Côtes de Bourg ?
Predominantly red wines, as well as white wines.
As for the red wines, Merlot calls the shots with roundness and fruitiness. Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure, tannins and complexity while Cabernet Franc provides elegance and freshness. Small touches of Malbec, whose spicy hints are the signature of the appellation, enhance the color and aromatic depth.
As for the white wines, Sauvignon Blanc brings freshness and liveliness. More expressive and smooth Sauvignon Gris and complex and full-bodied Sémillon perfectly complete the package. Elegantly floral and fruity Muscadelle and incredibly light Colombard are sometimes included in small amounts.
s’invitent de temps à autre, avec parcimonie.
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Pour les gourmands : Nos accords mets-vins
Fun facts
Three fun facts you need to know about Côtes de Bourg
Delve deeper into the appellation’s hidden facets, which account for all its charm.
1.
Malbec, the former star of the Bordeaux region, was almost swept off the map after the terrible frost of 1956. But here it was never forgotten! It represents 10% of the appellation’s area under vine – which holds the record in the Bordeaux region and even offers cuvées made from 100% Malbec.
2.
The Maison du Vin is home to over 150 wines! With commented tastings and events organized all year round, a vaulted cellar and spectacular views over the Dordogne, it is the ideal place for incredible discoveries.
3.
Every summer, the “Nuit du Terroir” brings the village of Bourg to life! This major event, held under the stars by the Côtes de Bourg Young Winegrowers’ association, is a must for lovers of good food, good music… and good wine.
Let’s talk about the soil:
On these lands, a story of clay and limestone unfolds in three chapters. The first takes place primarily on slopes, with typical sienna red soils on a silt subsoil from the Quaternary Period, which are perfect for planting Merlot and Malbec.
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The second involves sandy-clay soils combined with gravel, propitious to growing Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The third and final chapter occurs on clay-limestone soils, with Merlot as the main character.
Let’s travel back in time:
The Côtes de Bourg vineyards have a long history. As far back as the Gallo-Roman period, they thrived in the region’s valleys. Over time and particularly in the Middle Ages, its wines were transported up to Paris and across Europe.
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Their reputation continued to expand throughout the decades: from the 16th to the 18th centuries, they even won over the whole of the Kingdom of France. This boom was clearly visible on their native slopes where châteaux and negociant houses widely developed.
The 20th century marked another turning point, when the wines were given official recognition: The red wines obtained their PDO in 1936 and the white wines followed in 1941, confirming their legitimacy in the Bordeaux wine region. Since then, the Côtes de Bourg has continued to combine tradition, audacity and pleasure, much to the delight of wine enthusiasts.
