Less known but with an excellent price-quality
ratio, the red wine production of the "Côtes" reaches a volume
of about 45.000.000 litres with the appellations: Côtes de Bourg,
Premières Côtes de Blaye, Côtes de Castillon, Première Côtes de
Bordeaux, Graves de Vayres and Bordeaux Côtes de Francs.
Côtes de Bourg
The Bourg district has about 4000 hectares of vineyards. For certain
aspects, soil and vineyards' structure is very close to the St-Emillion.
The Côtes de Bourg have a character that varies subtly from one vineyard
to another but are generally full bodied, with an intense colour, and
enough tannins to require ageing between 3 and 6 years. It also produces
sparkling wines in underground cellars like those in St-Emillion.
Côtes de Blaye
The Blaye district owns about 5400 hectares of vineyards and it is
specialised in white wines which are light coloured, fine and pleasant.
Its best wine is red and boast the appellation Première Côte de Blaye.
It can be compared to the Bourg but it is lighter and less keen to ageing,
supple and fruity. Like the Bourg district it also produces sparkling
wines.
Bordeaux Côtes de Francs and Côtes de Castillon
The Bordeaux Côtes de Francs are strong and generous, whilst not
lacking in finesse. In the Côtes de Castillon appelation, wines are very
similar to the Bordeaux Côtes de Francs, with a rich, roasted fruit
character. Castillon is popular for the battle which put to an end the 100
Years War in 1453.
Première Côtes de Bordeaux
The Première Côtes de Bordeaux district occupies an area of about
3500 hectares (3000 for red grapes and 385 for white wines). Its red wines
can be identified by their colour and their full body, as well as by their
finesse. This district also produces sweet white wines.
Graves de Vayres
The Graves de Vayres appellation got its name from the very nature of
its soil, made up of layers of different thickness of alluvial pebbles,
which explain the supple nature and finesse of the wines produced here.
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