Côtes de Duras

The Côtes de Duras is a wine region in the heart of the French region of Sud -Ouest. Named after the town of Duras appellation is located about 30 km southeast of Saint -Emilion, bordering the appellation Entre -Deux -Mers, Sainte- Foy- Bordeaux, Saussignac and west of Bergerac. The vineyards, which have the status of a Appellation d' Origine since February 16, 1937 include approximately 2,200 acres of vineyards, which are farmed by 221 growers in 15 municipalities. Eligible communities are next Duras Auriac- sur -Dropt, Esclottes, Sainte -Colombe -de- Duras, Saint- Astier, Loubès- Bernac, Soumensac, Saint -Jean -de- Duras, La Sauvetat -du -Dropt, Moustier, Pardaillan, Saint- Sernin -de- Duras, Savignac -de- Duras, Villeneuve -de- Duras and Baleyssagues. Approximately 117,000 hectoliters of wine are produced every year, which is divided into 60 % red, 36 % white wine, rosé and 2% 2% sweet white wine.

The wine

Red and rosé wines are made from Merlot (60 % of the acreage ), Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc ( together 35 %) and Malbec (called Côt ) blended in the style of Bordeaux. The minimum alcohol content is 10 percent by volume, the yield is limited to 55 hectoliters / hectare. Rosé wine can be produced solely by the Saignée process.

The dry -developed white wine is made of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. In addition, may be used or Ugni Blanc. Its content should not be higher than 25% and shall in no case exceed that of Sauvignon Blanc. Only theoretical importance which likewise approved Mauzac, Chenin Blanc ( here Rouchelin or Pineau de la Loire called ) and Ondenc. The minimum alcohol content is 10 vol%, the yield is limited to 60 hectoliters / hectare.

The sweet white wine Semillon and Muscadelle developed to play a greater role than the Sauvignon Blanc. There are mostly Spätlese from very ripe grapes. Natural sweet, shaped by the Botrytis wines are the exception. The minimum alcohol content of 10.5 vol - % and the harvest restriction is 50 hectoliters / hectare.

Climate and soil

The region around Bergerac is subject to a strong oceanic influence, with mild winters. Particularly strong rainfall occurs in spring and late autumn. The summer, however, are mostly hot and dry. The weather is often stable until well into November. In the valley of the Dordogne often forms fog, which favors the formation of noble rot. Due to the distance of the area of ​​Côtes de Duras from the Dordogne, this applies here, however, is very limited.

On the true left bank of the Dordogne freshwater limestone is embedded in Molassesand and marl. Together they form a veritable " Layer Cake ".