AOC Côtes de Bordeaux

A bottle labeled simply Côtes de Bordeaux can blend grapes from several districts of the appellation, picked on the hillsides above the Gironde estuary as well as along the Garonne or the Dordogne. The CIVB, the Bordeaux wine council, describes it as an umbrella appellation that spans the vineyards of every district at once.

How the District Appellations Came Together

Before 2009, each district sold its wine under its own appellation, recognized between 1936 and 1967. In 1985, growers in Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon and Francs founded the Association des Côtes de Bordeaux to promote their wines together. The joint appellation was created in 2009, and Sainte-Foy joined it in 2016, according to the CIVB.

On the label, the appellation name on its own means a still red wine. When a district name goes with it, as in Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, every vine behind the wine grows in that district, and the district name also decides which colors and styles are allowed.

History of the AOC Côtes de Bordeaux

The AOC Côtes de Bordeaux, situated in the renowned Bordeaux wine region, is recognized for its deeply rooted viticultural history. This appellation, mainly dedicated to red wine, was created by the union of several terroirs with unique characteristics. The AOC Côtes de Bordeaux represents the essence of the diversity and richness of Bordeaux red wines while remaining affordable.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Côtes de Bordeaux

• Climate: Benefiting from a temperate oceanic climate, the vines of the AOC Côtes de Bordeaux enjoy ideal conditions for the slow and complete maturation of grapes.
• Soils: The AOC Côtes de Bordeaux is characterized by a mosaic of soils, ranging from clay-limestone to gravel, offering a wide variety of profiles to the wines.

Merlot and Other Key Grape Varieties of the AOC Côtes de Bordeaux

The red wines of the AOC Côtes de Bordeaux are primarily made from Merlot, the king grape of the region, which provides roundness and suppleness. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Malbec and Petit Verdot, are also used, contributing to the complexity and structure of the wines.

Style of AOC Côtes de Bordeaux Wines

• Appearance: The wines have a ruby to deep garnet red color.
• Aroma: The aromas reveal notes of red and black fruits (cassis, blackberries), vanilla, and sometimes spicy or woody touches when aged in oak barrels.
• Palate: On the palate, these wines offer a beautiful structure with well-integrated silky tannins. They combine power and delicacy with a remarkable length on the finish.
• Serving Temperature: Ideal between 16 and 18°C.
• Aging Potential: 3 to 7 years (or more depending on the château and vintage).

Best Food Pairings with a Wine from AOC Côtes de Bordeaux

Follow our tips to enhance a bottle of red Bordeaux wine from an estate or château in AOC Côtes de Bordeaux:

• Beef Ribeye with Bordelaise Sauce
• Lamb Tagine with Dried Fruits
• Pork Cheek Stew
• Duck Confit

Côtes de Bordeaux Questions: Whites, Sweet Wines and Hillsides

Which Côtes de Bordeaux districts make white wine?

White Côtes de Bordeaux always carries the name Blaye, Francs or Sainte-Foy, the three districts allowed to make dry whites. Whites average about 3% of the appellation’s output, all districts combined. Most are made mainly from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle.

Where does sweet Côtes de Bordeaux come from?

Sweet Côtes de Bordeaux comes from Sainte-Foy and Francs, and only Sainte-Foy also makes medium sweet (moelleux) whites, with 17 to 45 grams of sugar per liter. Liquoreux wines hold more than 51 grams per liter in Francs and at least 51 in Sainte-Foy. Their overripe grapes are hand-picked in successive passes, and the wine is never enriched.

Why is it called Côtes de Bordeaux?

The name Côtes de Bordeaux refers to the côtes, or hillsides, where the appellation’s vines grow above the Gironde, Garonne and Dordogne rivers. The CIVB, the Bordeaux wine council, ties the word to this hilly terrain. Facing mostly southwest, the slopes rise from about 100 to more than 230 feet (30 to 70 meters) above the plain.

Where can you buy Côtes de Bordeaux direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Côtes de Bordeaux direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. Each order is prepared and sent by the producer, not from a warehouse.

See also: AOC Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux - AOC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Wine - AOC Francs Côtes de Bordeaux