Côtes de Bourg, Bourg et Bourgeais

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Varieties of interest

Terroir

• The subsoil was formed during the Eocene and Oligocene epochs from two sedimentary rocks — the molasses du Fronsadais and the calcaires à Astéries — and subsequently during the Pliocene from clay-and-gravel deposits. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
• Three soil types predominate: Quaternary red silts known as 'terra di Siena' on the plateaux, sandy-clay gravels on the slopes, and clay-limestone soils, which are the most widespread.
• The rugged topography of hillsides and valleys reaches a high point of 92 metres, with two principal watercourses — Le Brouillon and Le Moron — crossing the geographical zone to the north and south respectively.
• The temperate climate of the Bourgeais is subject to Atlantic influences and moderated by the estuarine water mass, with solar radiation some 10% above the Bordeaux average, temperatures 1°C to 2°C higher, and rainfall 10% to 25% lower.
• The geographical zone is divided into three landscape units: the limestone escarpment along the western boundary, the central system of hilltops and slopes, and the Pugnac paleo-delta.

• Historians place the viticultural vocation of Bourg at around the 2nd century, a period when, under the influence of Roman occupation, the first plantings of Vitis biturica were established — regarded as the ancestor of the Cabernet grape varieties.
• The appellation was recognised by the decree of 11 September 1936 for red wines, and subsequently extended to white wines by the decree of 14 May 1941.

• The dry white wines, produced mainly from the Sauvignon grape variety, are often fresh on the palate and highly aromatic, with fruity citrus notes nuanced by floral hints.
• The red wines, produced mainly from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, are full-bodied, structured, and aromatic, with a tannic framework that makes them particularly well suited to ageing.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in France

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF) — approved 27 juillet 2023 publié au JORF du 5 août 2023, JORF 5 août 2023
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — CIVB