Appellation Premières Côtes de Bordeaux

History of the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux appellation

The Romans were the first to plant vines on the slopes of the right bank that overlook the Garonne river. The vineyard developed from there over the centuries under the impulse of our foreign neighbours, who took a liking to the wines of our region.

The wines were exported farther and farther afield from the beginning of the 18th century, soon reaching the Caribean and America.

It was at this time that the wines of the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux became the favourite of the wealthy population of Bordeaux, certain of whom even bought properties in the region, building dwellings that today we would call Follies.

Discover our range of Premières Côtes de Bordeaux

Situation

The appellation covers 39 villages along the limestone cliffs that follow the meanders of the Garonne river for 60 kilometres, reaching up to 5 kilometres wide. The vines therefore profit from these remarkable natural features of an exceptional exposure to the sun and top-quality earth.

Thanks to the slopes the vineyards are naturally well drained, offering the vines choice soils : pebbly gravel, mixed clay and limestone, and  gravelly clay.

Characteristics

The white wines of the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux appellation are medium-sweet and mellow, produced from the following blend of grape varieties :

70% Semillon, 25% Sauvignon and 5% Muscadelle.

  • Minimum sugar content is fixed at 221g/L
  • The minimum alcohol level is 11.5%
  • There must be at least 34g/L of residual sugar in the finished wine.

Tasting the wines of the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux

The Premières Côtes de Bordeaux whites present a very original palette of aromas and flavours :  acacia flower, vanilla, peach, the flowers of lime-trees, fresh fruit, etc.  Their robe is a nuance of golden yellow.

In conclusion, these wines are at their best between 8 and 10°C. They are delicious young but also have enormous potential to age for several years to be served as an aperitif.

They are a marvellous accompaniment for :

  • melon, foie gras, or exotic salads
  • white meat or fish dishes
  • blue cheeses
  • desserts such as sorbet ices, ice-cream, fruit tarts, or fresh fruit salads.