Côtes de Bourg

The vineyards of Côtes de Bourg lies on the orographic right bank of the Gironde and is part of the Bordeaux wine region in France. Named after the town of Bourg appellation is located about 35 km north - east of the city of Bordeaux within the Gironde department completely. On the opposite side of the river Gironde is the world-famous appellation Margaux. In the north, also known under the name Bourgeais region borders the vineyards of Côtes de Blaye (also called Blaye ). The vineyard has about 3,875 hectares of vineyards, which cover the 15 municipalities Bayon, Bourg, Comps, Gauriac, Lansac, Mombrier, Prignac et Marcamps, Pugnac, Saint- Ciers de Canesse, Saint -Seurin de Bourg, Saint- Trojan, Samonac, Tauriac, Teuillac and Villeneuve distribute. The vineyard represents approximately 83% of the potentially allowable acreage. The vineyards are handled by about 550 growers; of these, approximately 250 wineries connected to the 4 local wine cooperatives ( in Gauriac / Lansac / Pugnac / Bourg- Tauriac ). The other 300 wineries market their products themselves, the average size of a self-marketing winery is about 10 hectares.

Since September 11, 1936, the area has for the red wine over the status of an Appellation d' Origine ( AOC short ); for the white wine this is true since 14 May 1941. Unlike other areas of the Bordeaux appellation is largely frost and hail free. The rainfall is lower than in the opposite Médoc here. The soils, however, are very heterogeneous, so that the common notion of terroir in France hardly reaches here.

Previously, the wines were also known by the name Bourgeais, Bourgeois or Bourquais. From here though Bordeaux wine was very early exported to other countries; the area has been always considered the little sister of the Medoc. Even today, 85% of the wines are consumed in France itself. The rest is exported mainly to the European market.

• Of the approximately 3875 hectares 3850 acres are planted with red grape varieties, which dominates the Merlot. As red grape varieties are Cabernet Franc ( 6% share ), Cabernet Sauvignon (share 21%), Malbec ( 6% share ) and Merlot ( 67 % share ) approved. Approximately 226,000 hectoliters of wine are pressed annually. The red wines have a beautiful color and a strong tannic structure. The predominantly developed in barrique wines should be stored for a few years before drinking. The serving temperature is 16-17 ° C.
• The small stock of white grape varieties divided the varieties Colombard (share 23%), Muscadelle (share 8%), Sauvignon Blanc (share 46%) and Semillon ( 23% share ) on. Approved is the Merlot Blanc, but hardly plays a role. The annual production is approximately 1,200 hectoliters of white wine. The serving temperature is 10-12 ° C.