Sainte-Croix-du-Mont AOC

The vineyards of Sainte -Croix -du -Mont is located in the south of the great wine-growing region of Entre -Deux- Mers, a part of Bordeaux, and produced exclusively noble sweet white wines. The appellation covers approximately 400 hectares and is located on the territory of the commune of Sainte -Croix -du -Mont. The area with loamy limestone soil adjacent to the large Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux appellation and is located on the orographic right bank of the Garonne. Sainte -Croix -du -Mont is the well-known growing regions compared to Sauternes and Barsac and is only separated by the river Garonne of these. Since September 11, 1936, the area enjoys the status of an Appellation d' Origine ( AOC short ).

The provisions of the appellation applies only to noble sweet white wines (see Botrytis cinerea) from the grape varieties Sémillon ( average share of about 70-80 %), Sauvignon Blanc (about 10 - 20 %) and Muscadelle. The provision requires that the must contains at least 221 g of sugar per liter (See also the article must weight ). After fermentation, the minimum alcohol content of 12.5 percent by volume must be in the wine. The harvest limit is 40 hectoliters / hectare, a restriction that is well respected in the rule. Approximately 16,500 hectoliters of wine are won in the middle from the approximately 450 hectares of vineyards. In the year 2005 15.004 hectoliters of wine were produced on 400 hectare yield surface.

The wines are in addition to those of Loupiac and Cadillac as the best sweet wines of the region Entre -Deux- Mers. Qualitatively they are not enough, although closer to the wines of Sauternes, but are quite a cost-effective alternative.

The wines can be about 5 - 12 years and should be stored at a drinking temperature 6-8 ° C to be enjoyed.

See also: Viticulture in France, Bordeaux ( wine region )