Côtes de Bordeaux
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Accessory grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- 110 communes in the Gironde, across 5 clusters: Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon-la-Bataille, Francs, and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande.
- Clay-limestone soils on hillsides, sandy-gravelly soils on the plains; fluvial gravel terraces that are well-drained and low in fertility.
- Lacustrine limestones known as 'calcaires de Castillon' on the left bank of the Dordogne, resting on argillaceous and sandy molasse.
Human factors
- As early as the 2nd century, the Romans planted the first Vitis Biturica, ancestor of the cabernet varieties; Ausonius attests in the 4th century to the vineyard's reputation.
- Five separately recognised AOCs (1936–1967) were brought together in 2009 under the single appellation Côtes de Bordeaux by decree. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
Product characteristics
- Castillon reds: deep ruby colour, notes of prune, leather, game, and undergrowth; fruity and full-bodied, with excellent aging potential.
- Blaye whites: aromas of broom, citrus, and yellow fruits; Blaye reds: deep, intense colour, refined bouquet, good aging potential.
Terroir / wine link
- Plots selected on the basis of drainage and topography: hillfoot, slopes, or plateaus.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.
Sources
- Product specification (BO Agri, PDF), JORF 9 janvier 2026
- Official INAO text (show_texte)
- INAO product entry
- Official trade body site — CIVB