LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
If you love sweet white wines that are not so expensive, then meet the French appellation Premières Côtes de Bordeaux!. Located in the Bordeaux subregion of the same name, this area along the Garonne River delivers high quality wines at friendlier prices.
Following the Garonne's right bank for 60 kilometers, from Bassens to Saint-Maixant, this 103-hectare region focuses solely on sweet white wines. Since 2014, winemakers here work with three main grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. Their dedication shows in every bottle.
Wine growing here goes back to Roman times, who were the first to plant vines on the slopes above the river. These wines became popular abroad in the 1700s, reaching the Caribbean and America. At home, they were favorites among Bordeaux's wealthy families. Many of those old wine estates still make wine today.
This appellation of the Côtes de Bordeaux region sits between Entre-deux-Mers and three other wine areas: Cadillac, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, and Loupiac. Limestone cliffs run along the Garonne River, giving vines perfect sunlight and water drainage.
The vineyards grow between 20 and 100 meters high. Thanks to ocean influences, summers stay warm and winters mild—perfect for growing grapes.
The soil in this AOC mixes clay with limestone and has areas of pebbles near the river. This mix helps vines grow healthy and ensures water drains well.
These conditions work especially well for Sémillon grapes. Warm weather helps develop their sweetness, while good drainage keeps the vines healthy.
Like many wine regions, this one faces climate change challenges. Grapes ripen differently than before, and weather can be unpredictable, affecting how much wine they can make.
Being known for good value wines helps sell bottles but means competing with many other regions. Still, there's room to grow by reaching new markets and telling more people about these wines.
The region keeps moving forward. More winemakers use organic methods and care for the environment while making better wines. They're also trying new ways to make their wines taste even better, showing this region has a bright future.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
This beautiful AOC spreads along the Garonne River, where hills roll into vineyards as far as the eye can see. Here, nature and wine-growing work together perfectly. The slopes catch just the right amount of sun, while the river adds its own special touch to the climate, creating an ideal place for making great wines.
The maritime climate here creates perfect growing conditions for wine grapes. Thanks to the Garonne River and Atlantic Ocean, temperatures stay just right—not too cold in winter, not too hot in summer. It's like having nature's own thermostat for the vines.
The region gets plenty of sun when grapes like Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle need it most. The mix of sunshine and moisture in the air helps create noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which turns these grapes into amazing sweet wines.
If you want to visit the Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux AOC, there are two seasons you should keep in mind: harvest season and spring.
The sweet wines from the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux AOC showcase what makes this region special. By blending Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, winemakers create wines that balance sweetness with fresh flavors. Each sip tells you about the land, the climate, and years of wine-making skill.
What makes these wines different starts with noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which helps create their sweetness—about 34 grams of sugar per liter. The mix of clay and limestone in the soil, plus weather influenced by the ocean, helps grapes grow perfectly. This creates wines that are sweet but never heavy, with lots of different flavors to discover.
The vineyards here spread across hills overlooking the Garonne River, catching perfect sunlight. Towns like Cadillac and Langon welcome visitors with both beautiful views and deep wine-making history. Walking through these villages feels like stepping into French wine tradition.
This Bordeaux wine appellation offers some of the best wine tastings of Côtes de Bordeaux! You can visit local wineries to taste their wines and learn how they're made. Many places offer guided tours where experts share their knowledge. Time your visit right, and you might join a harvest festival or wine fair, where you can meet winemakers and join in local celebrations.
These wines work wonderfully with many foods. They match perfectly with rich foie gras, bring out the best in cheeses like Roquefort or Brie, and make fruit desserts even better. The sweetness in the wine balances rich foods while adding its own flavors.
You'll find great places to stay, from friendly bed-and-breakfasts in small villages to nice hotels with vineyard views. Most places put you close to wineries, making it easy to explore the region's wines and culture at your own pace.
This AOC does not focus on red wines. Instead, it stands out for sweet white wines crafted from three main grapes that work together beautifully: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Each brings something special to the wines, making them unique to this part of Bordeaux.
The sweet wines from the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux AOC showcase what makes this region special. By blending Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, winemakers create wines that balance sweetness with fresh flavors. Each sip tells you about the land, the climate, and years of wine-making skill.
What makes these wines different starts with noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which helps create their sweetness—about 34 grams of sugar per liter. The mix of clay and limestone in the soil, plus weather influenced by the ocean, helps grapes grow perfectly. This creates wines that are sweet but never heavy, with lots of different flavors to discover.
The vineyards here spread across hills overlooking the Garonne River, catching perfect sunlight. Towns like Cadillac and Langon welcome visitors with both beautiful views and deep wine-making history. Walking through these villages feels like stepping into French wine tradition.
This Bordeaux wine appellation offers some of the best wine tastings of Côtes de Bordeaux! You can visit local wineries to taste their wines and learn how they're made. Many places offer guided tours where experts share their knowledge. Time your visit right, and you might join a harvest festival or wine fair, where you can meet winemakers and join in local celebrations.
These wines work wonderfully with many foods. They match perfectly with rich foie gras, bring out the best in cheeses like Roquefort or Brie, and make fruit desserts even better. The sweetness in the wine balances rich foods while adding its own flavors.
You'll find great places to stay, from friendly bed-and-breakfasts in small villages to nice hotels with vineyard views. Most places put you close to wineries, making it easy to explore the region's wines and culture at your own pace.