LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
Welcome to the Sainte-Croix-du-Mont AOC of Bordeaux, a French appellation that produces wonderful sweet white wines! Each year, they produce 1,250,000 litres of wine that can match the quality of famous Sauternes wines but often at better prices.
In the Entre-Deux-Mers area, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont has perfect weather for making sweet wines. The 500 hectares of vineyards grow three main types of grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. The wines have a lovely golden colour and taste of apricot, honey, and flowers.
The region became officially recognized in 1936. Its location near the Garonne River creates morning mists that help develop noble rot – a good type of grape mold that makes these sweet wines special. Over many years, the area has become known for making dessert wines that show off its unique character. While not having the same reputation as other areas like Saint Emilion, this AOC is gaining a name for itself in the wine world.
Sainte-Croix-du-Mont is on one side of the Garonne River, facing the famous Sauternes and Barsac regions. It is next to Loupiac in the north, with the river marking its southern edge and 40 km away from Saint Emilion. The soil here is a mix of clay and limestone, perfect for growing high-quality grapes.
The vineyards are about 50 meters high and enjoy continental and oceanic influences. The warm summers, cool winters, and foggy autumn mornings create ideal conditions for making sweet wines.
The mix of clay and limestone soil, with some gravel, works perfectly here. It holds enough water for the vines but also lets extra water drain away when needed.
These growing conditions are especially good for Sémillon grapes. The weather and soil help make grapes with lots of sugar and the right amount of acidity, creating wines with rich, complex flavors.
Like many wine regions, climate change affects grape growth in this region. Different temperatures and rainfall can make it harder to grow grapes and protect them from disease. Winemakers are working hard to protect their special growing conditions.
While these wines offer great value, makers face tough competition from other regions and changing markets. They keep finding new ways to make their wines stand out.
The region is moving forward by using more organic farming methods and taking better care of the environment, which many wine lovers appreciate. Winemakers are trying new techniques while keeping their traditional wine styles intact.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
This wine area sits high above the Garonne River, with hills that climb over 300 feet into the sky. From up here, you can see vineyards rolling down toward the water. Under the ground, you'll find amazing treasures: fossilized oysters and deep limestone caves that formed millions of years ago.
This appellation of the Bordeaux wine region offers a wide range of activities to do:
The weather here is just right for making sweet wines. Winters don't get too cold, summers stay warm, and the Garonne River helps keep temperatures steady, like a natural thermostat. Fall brings something special to the area - morning fog rolls in with just enough moisture to help a special type of mold called noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) grow on the grapes. This mold is what makes the local sweet wines taste so rich and special.
If you want to see wine-making at its most exciting, come between late September and early November. This is when workers do the grape harvest and noble rot is doing its best work. You can watch how they pick the grapes, join in fun harvest celebrations, and taste fresh wines. The mild fall weather makes it perfect for walking through the vineyards and looking at the beautiful views. For anyone who loves wine, this is when you'll see and feel what makes this AOC so special.
The sweet wines from this AOC sparkle with a beautiful golden colour. These high-quality wines blend four types of grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, and Sauvignon Gris. In each glass, you'll find tastes of figs, honeysuckle, and apricots. These wines taste great when they're young or after aging.
What makes these wines special is a helpful type of mold called noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). When fall brings damp air from the Garonne River, this mold makes the grapes sweeter and more flavorful. Winemakers hand-pick only the best-affected grapes. The result? Wines that can match the quality of their famous neighbour, Sauternes.
Wine lovers should visit places like Château La Rame and Château Laurette. These wine estates offer guided wine tours where they show visitors how they make their special wines and help them understand what makes the local soil and weather so perfect for growing grapes.
The area offers many ways to taste and learn about wine. Visitors can join guided tastings or celebrate harvest festivals. These events help people understand how the wines are made while enjoying the best bottles.
These wines taste even better with certain foods:
Make the most of your wine trip by staying at a cozy bed-and-breakfast near the vineyards or treating yourself to a boutique hotel focused on wine experiences. Many places offer tours and tastings, letting you fully enjoy the beautiful wine country.
The sweet wines from Sainte-Croix-du-Mont come from four special types of grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris. The local weather and soil work together to help these grapes grow into perfect wine-making fruit.
The sweet wines from this AOC sparkle with a beautiful golden colour. These high-quality wines blend four types of grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, and Sauvignon Gris. In each glass, you'll find tastes of figs, honeysuckle, and apricots. These wines taste great when they're young or after aging.
What makes these wines special is a helpful type of mold called noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). When fall brings damp air from the Garonne River, this mold makes the grapes sweeter and more flavorful. Winemakers hand-pick only the best-affected grapes. The result? Wines that can match the quality of their famous neighbour, Sauternes.
Wine lovers should visit places like Château La Rame and Château Laurette. These wine estates offer guided wine tours where they show visitors how they make their special wines and help them understand what makes the local soil and weather so perfect for growing grapes.
The area offers many ways to taste and learn about wine. Visitors can join guided tastings or celebrate harvest festivals. These events help people understand how the wines are made while enjoying the best bottles.
These wines taste even better with certain foods:
Make the most of your wine trip by staying at a cozy bed-and-breakfast near the vineyards or treating yourself to a boutique hotel focused on wine experiences. Many places offer tours and tastings, letting you fully enjoy the beautiful wine country.
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