Côtes de Bourg French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Côtes de Bourg is a hilly Right Bank Bordeaux appellation overlooking the Gironde estuary, nicknamed the "Switzerland of the Gironde", producing robust, fruity Merlot-based reds at very good prices.
More info about Côtes de Bourg
Geographic position
Southwestern France, in the Gironde, on the right bank of the Dordogne where it meets the Garonne to form the Gironde estuary, around the town of Bourg, about 35 km north of Bordeaux, opposite Margaux.
Origin & history
Bourg's vineyards are among the oldest in Bordeaux, planted by the Romans before those of the Médoc. The port of Bourg shipped its wines to England and northern Europe in the Middle Ages. The AOC was created in 1936.
Wines & grape varieties
Mostly red, from Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec (locally significant). Expect black cherry, plum, spice and a firm, generous structure. A small amount of white is made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
Climate & soil
Temperate oceanic climate softened by the estuary. Clay-limestone hills, with gravel and sandy clay.
Wine region: Bordeaux
Grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon