LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
Welcome to the Bordeaux Haut-Benauge AOC, a special French wine appellation in Bordeaux that makes outstanding white wines. This appellation makes 489,230 hectolitres of wine each year—that's 65 million bottles! It's part of the Entre-deux-Mers area, known for its special soil and long wine-making history.
The wines of this AOC, which is a short drive from Cotes de Bordeaux, Saint Emilion, Sainte Croix du Mont, and Graves, are mostly white and made from three main grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauvignon Gris. You can find both dry and sweet wines that showcase what makes this region special.
Wine-making in this region dates back to the 18th century. For centuries, families have transferred their winemaking expertise, contributing to Bordeaux’s global fame for exceptional wines. Although this area may not boast the same status as other Bordeaux appellations, it is increasingly gaining recognition due to its distinct charm and unique wines.
This appellation of the Bordeaux wine region is located in the Entre-deux-Mers area between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. With Graves on one side, Saint-Émilion on the other, the Côtes de Bordeaux subregion bordering it to the west and south, and the Sainte Croix du Mont AOC relatively close, it's a perfect spot for growing grapes.
The vineyards are located 85 to 118 meters above sea level, where conditions are ideal. This elevation ensures that the grapes remain cool enough to produce fresh-tasting wines. Additionally, the mild year-round climate supports the perfect growth of white grapes.
This soil consists of a blend of clay, limestone, and gravel. This combination plays a crucial role: it enables excess water to drain effectively while retaining sufficient moisture for the vines, and it imparts a unique mineral flavour to the wines.
The refreshing air and consistent climate complement each other beautifully. The temperature keeps the grapes vibrant and zesty, while the dependable growing conditions guarantee that the grapes ripen optimally, season after season.
Like many wine regions, changing weather is a big challenge. Winemakers here are finding smart ways to deal with unexpected weather patterns and changing growing seasons.
Competing with other wine regions may be challenging, but these winemakers understand what sets their wines apart. They are discovering innovative ways to market their products and connect with more appreciative customers.
Many winemakers here are going organic and biodynamic, not just because it's popular but because they believe it makes better wine. They're using both old techniques and new technology to improve their wines and cope with changing weather conditions.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
The picturesque Bordeaux Haut-Benauge AOC lies nestled between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers. This region features rolling hills adorned with grapevines thriving in unique clay-limestone soils, which contribute to the production of remarkable wines. Additionally, the area boasts a wealth of historical significance and agricultural traditions.
The Bordeaux Haut-Benauge AOC has special weather that makes its wines so good. The temperate maritime climate means it's never too hot or too cold, thanks to two rivers—the Garonne and Dordogne. Think of them as natural air conditioners, keeping everything just right. The summers are warm but not hot, winters stay mild, and there's just enough rain for the grapes. Sometimes, a special kind of good mold called botrytis grows on the grapes, which helps make those delicious sweet wines everyone loves.
To truly appreciate this destination, visit between September and November during the vibrant autumn months. This period marks the harvest season, bustling with activity as people gather grapes and produce wine. It's a thrilling experience to witness!
The weather is perfect for walking around and enjoying being outside. Many wineries have special harvest events where you can help pick grapes, meet the winemakers, and try some fresh juice that will soon become wine. And there's an extra treat: the fall foliage makes everything beautiful, with leaves turning golden and red all over the vineyards.
The Bordeaux Haut-Benauge AOC stands out for two special types of wine: dry white wines and sweet white wines. These wines are made from four main white grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle. Each grape adds its own flavour to make them special.
These wines stand out due to their harmonious flavour profile. The grapes thrive in ideal conditions, allowing their inherent flavours to flourish. By blending various grapes, winemakers produce wines that offer complex multi-dimensional tastes.
Visit places like Arbis, Targon, and Saint-Pierre-de-Bat to see beautiful hills covered in grape vines. The winemakers here love showing visitors around their vineyards.
You can visit many wineries to taste wines and learn how they're made. During harvest festivals, you can join in the fun and meet the people who make these wonderful wines.
These white Bordeaux wines taste even better with the right food:
Stay in cozy bed-and-breakfasts or nice boutique hotels near the vineyards. Some places offer special wine-themed packages that include tours and tastings, making your visit even more special.
Within these Bordeaux vineyards, four main grapes make the white wines so special: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle:
The Bordeaux Haut-Benauge AOC stands out for two special types of wine: dry white wines and sweet white wines. These wines are made from four main white grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle. Each grape adds its own flavour to make them special.
These wines stand out due to their harmonious flavour profile. The grapes thrive in ideal conditions, allowing their inherent flavours to flourish. By blending various grapes, winemakers produce wines that offer complex multi-dimensional tastes.
Visit places like Arbis, Targon, and Saint-Pierre-de-Bat to see beautiful hills covered in grape vines. The winemakers here love showing visitors around their vineyards.
You can visit many wineries to taste wines and learn how they're made. During harvest festivals, you can join in the fun and meet the people who make these wonderful wines.
These white Bordeaux wines taste even better with the right food:
Stay in cozy bed-and-breakfasts or nice boutique hotels near the vineyards. Some places offer special wine-themed packages that include tours and tastings, making your visit even more special.