Our Wines from BORDEAUX
BORDEAUX
Bordeaux is arguably France’s most famous wine region. The area boasts roughly 255,000 acres of AOP (Protected Appellation) vineyards. Typically, the vineyard districts are considered to be either Left Bank, west of the Gironde Estuary and Garonne River, or Right Bank, east of the main rivers. Those of the Left include Sauternes, Graves and the Médoc. The Right Bank takes in Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Fronsac and numerous satellites together with Bourg and Blaye. Entre-Deux-Mers lies in between the Garonne and Dordogne, literally “between two seas.”
Bordeaux is often thought of as the source of sought-after luxury collectables. This is certainly true, yet the production of the region is more accurately depicted as a pyramid, with a large base of moderately priced wine and a small upper crust of elite wines. The Wine Cellar Insider reckons that 70% of Bordeaux wine is sold for less than 15 euros a bottle (about $16). In other words, there is excellent value for money in Bordeaux for the savvy buyer, and Entre-Deux-Mers is at the top of the list!
Entre-Deux-Mers Essentials
Situated between the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers, Entre-Deux-Mers is one of the most picturesque subregions of Bordeaux. The terrain is hilly, with small villages and vineyards which share the land with forests. Fortified castles and bastides provide an interesting diversion in Langoiran, Rions, La Réole, and Monségur. The ruins of the 11th century Abbey of La Sauve-Majeure, along the path of Santiago de Compostela, are known to history buffs and pilgrims.
Grapes & Climate
The Entre-Deux-Mers appellation was reserved for dry white wines until 2023, when reds were also granted the right to the AOP. The climate is maritime, though with moderate precipitation. Soils vary considerably from alluvial near the rivers to gravelly on some hillsides, with clay and limestone along the tops of hills. The main grape varieties for whites are Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle, and Sauvignon Gris. Colombard and Ugni Blanc are accessory varieties in limited use. Reds are based on a typical mix of Bordeaux varieties: Merlot, Cabernet, Petit Verdot, and Cot (Malbec).