LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
Welcome to Côtes de Bourg, a notable wine region in Bordeaux! This area covers 3,850 hectares and produces 12% of Bordeaux's Côtes wines. It is known for its excellent, distinct-flavored Merlot-based wines.
You'll find this appellation of the Bordeaux wine region near the town of Bourg-sur-Gironde, stretching along two rivers - the Dordogne and Garonne. It includes 15 towns with hilly landscapes. While Merlot leads the way here, you'll also find Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. They make some white wines, too, using Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Colombard grapes.
Grape growing and winemaking in this region dates back to Roman times in the 2nd century AD. It flourished as an important wine port throughout the Middle Ages. As time progressed, the wines evolved from robust styles to the lighter, fruitier varieties favoured today. Although not as renowned as other wine regions like Saint-Émilion, Côtes de Bourg is beginning to receive increased recognition in the wine community.
Located just 20 kilometres from Bordeaux city center and 30 kilometres from Saint Emilion, Côtes de Bourg is between well-known areas like Blaye and Fronsac. It is part of the Côtes de Bordeaux area, which receives mild and pleasant weather that helps the grapes grow well.
The vineyards sit approximately 20 meters above sea level. Their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean creates warm days and cool nights, ideal for grape cultivation. This climate balance allows the grapes to ripen while preserving their fresh flavour.
The soil here varies, mixing clay, gravel, sand, and limestone. Each type of soil helps different grapes grow better. For example, Merlot grows best in clay soil that holds water, while Cabernet Sauvignon prefers gravelly soil that drains well.
The combination of height, weather, and soil creates the wines' character. Warm summers help red grapes ripen fully, while cool nights keep the acids balanced - especially important for white wines. Together, these elements make balanced, flavorful wines.
Like many wine regions, Côtes de Bourg is facing climate change challenges. Unpredictable weather and changing temperatures affect the quantity and quality of grapes grown here, and the area's humidity increases disease pressure in the vineyards.
While it's hard to compete with famous Bordeaux names, this creates a chance to stand out. More wine drinkers now look for good-value wines from lesser-known regions, and Côtes de Bourg fits this perfectly.
The region keeps moving forward. Many winemakers now use earth-friendly farming methods and try new ways to make wine. More are choosing organic and natural farming practices, both to help the environment and appeal to conscious wine buyers. It's an exciting time as Côtes de Bourg blends old knowledge with new ideas.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
The Côtes de Bourg is a place where nature and wine work together perfectly. The Côtes de Bourg sits right by the Gironde Estuary, with gentle hills that roll as far as you can see. People lovingly call it "Gironde's little Switzerland" because of its stunning views.
Under your feet, you'll find different types of soil that make this place special. Clay, limestone, gravel, and sand mix together like ingredients in a recipe. The sunny slopes face just the right way to help grapes grow perfectly, while the nearby river keeps temperatures just right and protects the vines from bad weather.
From breathtaking wine routes to charming markets, this AOC has something for everyone:
The Côtes de Bourg AOC is a special corner where the weather works like a charm for growing grapes. In Côtes de Bourg, nature has created perfect conditions that make the local wines unique.
The Gironde Estuary acts like a natural shield for the vineyards. It keeps temperatures just right—about 1-2°C cooler than nearby areas. The region also gets lucky with about 10% more sun than its neighbours and stays drier with 10-25% less rain.
Think of the estuary as a gentle guardian. It protects the vines from frost and gives the grapes extra time to ripen slowly. This careful balance of sun, rain, and temperature helps create wines that truly showcase what makes this area special.
If you're planning a trip here, aim for the sweet spot between May and October. During these months, you'll find warm, sunny weather that's perfect for exploring vineyards and enjoying outdoor wine tastings.
But here's an insider tip: try to visit during September or October. That's when the grape harvest happens, and the whole region comes alive with excitement. You'll see the busy activity of harvest time, and many wineries open their doors to show visitors how they turn grapes into wine.
During harvest time, you can join special events where you'll meet the winemakers themselves and see firsthand how they pick and sort the grapes. It's like getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the year's perfect weather conditions finally pay off in the bottle. To have a more comprehensive experience, you can take one of the guided wine tours through the vineyards and wineries of the region.
This timing allows you to experience not only the nice weather but also how all these perfect growing conditions come together to create the wines that make this region famous.
Let me take you on a journey through the diverse and fascinating wines of this region, where tradition meets modern winemaking to create something truly special.
The special charm of these wines comes from the perfect mix of weather and soil. The clay and limestone help the vines grow strong, while gentle sea breezes keep the grapes healthy. This creates wines with real character - not too heavy, not too light, but just right. The winemakers here know their land well, working with nature to bring out the best in each grape variety.
Château de Barbe opens its doors to show how they make wine the traditional way. Watch as grapes become wine, and learn about the careful steps that go into each bottle. In addition, at Château Escalette, you will see how organic farming helps create pure, natural wines. Their vineyards show how working with nature leads to better grapes and more interesting wines. Finally, 40 km away from this area, there is a major attraction of Bourdeaux: the Cité du Vin. This wine museum reminds us of the strong bond between Bordeaux and wine.
Throughout the year, the region comes alive with wine events. During harvest time, join festivals where you can help pick grapes and see how wine is made. Many wineries offer tours where you'll walk through vineyards, visit cellars, and taste wines paired with local foods. Some even let you blend your own wine to understand how different grapes work together.
The red wines really shine with traditional French cooking. Try them with rich dishes like beef stewed in wine (boeuf bourguignon) or chicken cooked with wine and mushrooms (coq au vin). The whites are perfect partners for seafood - especially local oysters and fish. They also work beautifully with creamy chicken dishes or fresh goat cheese.
Make your wine experience complete by staying right in wine country. Choose from cozy family-run B&Bs where hosts share their local knowledge to elegant hotels set among the vines. Many places offer special wine packages that include vineyard tours, private tastings, and meals at local restaurants. Some even have their own wineries, letting you wake up to vineyard views and end your day with sunset wine tastings.
Let's explore the grapes that make Côtes de Bourg special. Each grape brings something unique to the wines from this region, and understanding them helps us appreciate what makes these wines stand out.
Let me take you on a journey through the diverse and fascinating wines of this region, where tradition meets modern winemaking to create something truly special.
The special charm of these wines comes from the perfect mix of weather and soil. The clay and limestone help the vines grow strong, while gentle sea breezes keep the grapes healthy. This creates wines with real character - not too heavy, not too light, but just right. The winemakers here know their land well, working with nature to bring out the best in each grape variety.
Château de Barbe opens its doors to show how they make wine the traditional way. Watch as grapes become wine, and learn about the careful steps that go into each bottle. In addition, at Château Escalette, you will see how organic farming helps create pure, natural wines. Their vineyards show how working with nature leads to better grapes and more interesting wines. Finally, 40 km away from this area, there is a major attraction of Bourdeaux: the Cité du Vin. This wine museum reminds us of the strong bond between Bordeaux and wine.
Throughout the year, the region comes alive with wine events. During harvest time, join festivals where you can help pick grapes and see how wine is made. Many wineries offer tours where you'll walk through vineyards, visit cellars, and taste wines paired with local foods. Some even let you blend your own wine to understand how different grapes work together.
The red wines really shine with traditional French cooking. Try them with rich dishes like beef stewed in wine (boeuf bourguignon) or chicken cooked with wine and mushrooms (coq au vin). The whites are perfect partners for seafood - especially local oysters and fish. They also work beautifully with creamy chicken dishes or fresh goat cheese.
Make your wine experience complete by staying right in wine country. Choose from cozy family-run B&Bs where hosts share their local knowledge to elegant hotels set among the vines. Many places offer special wine packages that include vineyard tours, private tastings, and meals at local restaurants. Some even have their own wineries, letting you wake up to vineyard views and end your day with sunset wine tastings.
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