a guide to the appellations of bordeaux

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The word appellation in English and French means a denomination, a designation, a title given. For wine lovers, the word repre-

sents a rather cryptic nomenclature used to certiy that wines have originated rom their designated regions or terroirs. It is also the

reason why French wine labels tend to emphasize appellation o origin ollowed by the estate owner or producer, rather than emphasizing

grape variety. Such labels presume that the consumer already knows what grape varieties the wine is composed o (amongst other things) by

virtue o the appellation inormation supplied. Not surprisingly, or the consumer who is ignorant o Europes wine regions, and who will be

accustomed to new world wine labels, the very idea o an appellation system can seem rather unhelpul or even irrelevant. Regardless, without

some understanding o how and why the appellation system came about, any introduction to Bordeaux and her wines will be lacking and

likely only to conuse matters urther. In France, the present day organization o the wine industry is ounded on the appellation dorigine

laws, (as opposed to the Appellation dOrigine Controlee laws, which came later). The rst law o its kind was conceived in 1919 and was a

practical response to economic depression and widespread raud within the viticultural sector. The law was designed to ensure wines actually

came rom the place as dened on the label in order to assure the consumer, protect the integrity and quality o French Wine in general, and

ultimately improve sales.

Beore the nal wording was decided upon, a vast number o verbal battles had taken place and the result was that the appellation dorigine

law was watered down so badly that it was virtually useless: Provided that the makers o a certain wine could, within reason, show that they

had been making it or some time according to local customs, and that it came rom a particular commune, then the right o the title o origin

automatically applied. As the years passed it became clear that the very law which had been designed to protect the quality o French winewas having the opposite eect. In 1923, the total amount o appellation dorigine wine declared in all France was 5 million hectolitres and by

1934 it had passed 15.7 million hectolitres. What was happening was, according to M. Capus, the then Minister o Agriculture and a ormer

proessor o agriculture in the Gironde, that, ...straight away in regions where the appellation dorigine applied, people planted thousands

o hectares o barley or scrub land with low grade grape species, but big bearers. The inerior wines that resulted nevertheless beneted rom

A Guide to the Appellationsof Bordeaux

Understanding the Appellation System


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the appellation quality statement. It was a disaster! exclaimed

Capus. So the better vignerons revolted, and Capus ormulated

a urther law which was passed in July 1927 and was called the

Law Capus. This re-articulated the earlier law and tied up

rather loose phrases, but was mainly concerned to see that wines

should not have the appellation dorigine right unless the grape

species and the nature o the soil both conormed to usages local,

loyal and constant.

Progress was being made, but it was nothing like enough. Great

abuses o the law were still taking place until in July 1935, there

appeared another law which this time had teeth. (It should be

mentioned that in the meantime M. Capus had become a sena-

tor). At a meeting with representatives o la Gironde, la Dor-

dogne, Gaillac, les Charentes, la Touraine et Centre-ouest, la

Bourgogne, Arbois, Chateauneu-du-Pape, and IAlsace, he had

propounded new legislation which he proposed to call appella-

tion dorigine controlee. This 1935 law resulted in the establish-

ment o the Comite national des appellations dorigine des vins

et eaux-de-vie.

The committee started work in May 1936 and in May 1938 theyhad published 108 decrees on controlled appellations around

France. From then on, i a wine had the controlled title right

and was being sold in bottle, it had to have an appellation Con-

trolee statement. The law then turned its attention to cultiva-

tion and vinication. It obliged wine makers to plant the correct

types o grapes, that vineyards were not over cropped (which

could signicantly eect quality), that the actual viticulture

and vinication methods conormed to certain standards and

even added the necessity o seeing that the alcoholic degree o

wines was sucient. Some diculties inevitably appeared. For

example, certain vineyards ound that they had a double appel-

lation; the new controlled one and the old dorigine one. Thus,on 3rd August 1942, this duality was suppressed, leaving only

the controlled one with the maximum guarantees. (1) Capus

had laid the oundations or the Institute National des Appel-

lations dOrigine des Vins et Eaux de Vie (INAO), a body which

or more than ty years has been responsible or rening the

concept o the appellation dorigine controlee (AOC), and ensur-

ing that old traditions are preserved, while new technology and

the commercial domain are not neglected.

In spite o all the bureaucracy, the French appellation system

has not always delivered what it has promised. There are grow-

ing criticisms suggesting that it impedes, rather than enhances,

actual wine quality; that current law does not adequately recog-

nise the importance o the winemaker in determining the qual-

ity o his or her wine. Others are concerned that in many parts o

France, the boundaries o the appellations do not adequately re-

fect the realities o the terroir, that rules governing both viticul-

ture and vinication are too strict on style and not strict enough

on quality, and that French wine labels are conusing and oer

little inormation relevant to the quality o the wine.

For better or worse, such appellation systems have now spread

to other western European nations. European Union law now

stipulates that wines made outside the specically demarcated

regions, or without ollowing the other legal requirements, maynot call themselves quality wine but instead are dened as ta-

ble wine. This means that they are generally orbidden to give

a region o origin or vintage date on their label (although the

introduction o vins de pays in 1979 modied this somewhat).

Appellation inormation sourced with permission rom the ofcial BordeauxWine website: www.bordeaux.com

Conseil Interproessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux.

This article was originally published online at www.nicks.com.auThis article may not be circulated or reproduced with out the above

statement being prominently acknowledged.



The Classication of 1855

The 1855 Bordeaux classication remains something o an anomaly within the modern appellation controlee system. It is today the wine

worlds most enduring classication, yet it was never actually intended to be permanent. Ironically, it still has a major impact on the world

wine market - particularly the secondary market - and so an understanding o the reasons or its creation are o obvious interest.

Ater London hosted the rst international exposition in 1851, Napoleon III realized that France needed to seize back the initiative. The motive

given or the 1855 Paris Worlds Fair (Exposition Universelle de Pari) was to celebrate orty years o peace in Europe since Waterloo. A hiddenagenda, however, was the competition among the major European nations to establish their industrial and artistic supremacy - all ultimately

to boost trade. Having decided that the great Bordeaux Wines should be shown, Napolon asked each selected wine region to establish a qual-

ity classication to inorm visitors at the exhibition. This classication was initially developed or the Mdoc (Red Bordeaux) and Graves (Sweet

White Bordeaux) wines and included 60 wines o the Medoc (one o them actually a red Graves-Chateau Haut Brion). The classes were termed

Growths with the Medoc divided into 4 rst growths, 15 seconds, 13 thirds, 11 ourths and 17 ths. The Sauternes district was divided into

1 grand rst, 10 rsts and 12 seconds. Chateau Peixotto, a second classied growth o the Sauternes, ceases to exist.* (The predominance at

the time o wines rom Mdoc and Graves and the absence o the CCI [Chambre de Commerce et dIndustrie de Bordeaux in Libourne, only

established in 1910] explain the absence o wines rom the right bank.)

The Chamber o Commerce was responsible or the Gironde department. This department, in turn asked the Syndicat des Courtiers (brokers

syndicate) to classiy the Gironde wines into ve groups according to quality. Being pragmatic businessmen, the brokers ranked the wines ac-

cording to the traded prices being attained by each o the chateaux in prior years. This was in distinction to the appellation dOrigine system,the classication o which was primarily geographic in nature. Given this act alone, it is remarkable that the 1855 classication has survived

at all, let alone that it continues to command respect. Whats more absurd is that it has only being ocially updated once in 150 years when

in 1973, and even then only ater tireless campaigning rom Phillipe de Rothschild that Jacques Chirac, then the Minister o Agriculture,

passed a decree conerring the status o Premier Grand Cru Classe upon Chateux Mouton Rothschild. On the right is the 1855 Classication

as it stands.

What does this classication mean to us today?

Given its methodology and original intent, the classication could be considered as little more than an historical curio. Its relevance is dimin-

ished by the act that since 1855, many o its Growths have merged or have acquired neighbouring estates which were not even included in the

original classication, thereby potentially eecting the quality o the wines or better or worse (the vineyards o third growth, Ch Desmirail, or

example, have or long being subsumed into Ch Palmer). Secondly, while the perception that high ranking, premier cru estates on the whole

tend to make better wines, there are a number o wines that requently disappoint, as well as some lesser estates that oer quality well beyond

what one would anticipate. The 2005 vintage is a case in point, a year which had Robert Parker describing the wines rom many minor produc-

ers as Little Big Ones, represented by ...sincere, over-achieving men and women who are taking unheralded, less prestigious terroirs and turning out

brilliant wines.... Acknowledging the 1855 classication or what it is, we can condently disregard it, beore moving on to discover the wines

o Bordeaux or ourselves.

Above: The frst page o the 1885 Medoc Classifcation.



Les Grands Crus Classes du Medoc en 1855

Chateau AppellationFIRST GROWTHS (Premiers Crus)Chateau MARGAUX MargauxChateau LAFITE-ROTHSCHILD Pauillac

Chateau LATOUR PauillacChateau MOUTON ROTHSCHILD (upgraded in 1973) PauillacChateau LATOUR Pauillac

Chateau HAUT-BRION Pessac

SECOND GROWTHS (Deuxiemes Crus)Chateau RAUZAN-SEGLA Margaux

Chateau RAUZAN-GASSIES MargauxChateau DURFORT-VIVENS MargauxChateau LASCOMBES Margaux

Chateau BRANE-CANTENAC MargauxChateau PICHON-LONGUEVILLE PauillacChateau PICHON LONGUEVILLE COMTESSE DE LALANDE Pauillac

Chateau COS DESTOURNEL Saint-EstepheChateau MONTROSE Saint-EstepheChateau LEOVILLE LAS CASES Saint-Julien

Chateau LEOVILLE-POYFERRE Saint-Julien

Chateau LEOVILLE BARTON Saint-JulienChateau GRUAUD LAROSE Saint-Julien

Chateau DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU Saint-Julien

THIRD GROWTHS (Troisiemes Crus)Chateau LA LAGUNE Haut-MedocChateau KIRWAN MargauxChateau DISSAN Margaux

Chateau GISCOURS MargauxChateau MALESCOT SAINT-EXUPERY MargauxChateau BOYD-CANTENAC Margaux

Chateau CANTENAC BROWN MargauxChateau PALMER MargauxChateau DESMIRAIL Margaux

Chateau FERRIERE MargauxChateau MARQUIS DALESME BECKER MargauxChateau CALON SEGUR Saint-Estephe

Chateau LAGRANGE Saint-JulienChateau LANGOA BARTON Saint-Julien

FOURTH GROWTHS (Quatrieme Crus)Chateau LA TOUR CARNET Haut-MedocChateau POUGET Margaux

Chateau PRIEURE-LICHINE MargauxChateau MARQUIS DE TERME MargauxChateau DUHART-MILON PauillacChateau LAFON-ROCHET Saint-Estephe

Chateau SAINT-PIERRE Saint-JulienChateau TALBOT Saint-JulienChateau BRANAIRE-DUCRU Saint-Julien

Chateau BEYCHEVELLE Saint-Julien

FIFTH GROWTHS (Cinquiemes Crus)Chateau BELGRAVE Haut-MedocChateau CAMENSAC Haut-MedocChateau CANTEMERLE Haut-Medoc

Chateau DAUZAC MargauxChateau DU TERTRE Margaux

Chateau PONTET-CANET PauillacChateau BATAILLEY PauillacChateau HAUT-BATAILLEY Pauillac

Chateau GRAND-PUY-LACOSTE PauillacChateau GRAND-PUY DUCASSE PauillacChateau LYNCH-BAGES Pauillac

Chateau LYNCH-MOUSSAS PauillacChateau DARMAILHAQ (previously Ch Mouton-Baron-Phillipe) PauillacChateau HAUT-BAGES LIBERAL Pauillac

Chateau PEDESCLAUX PauillacChateau CLERC MILON PauillacChateau CROIZET-BAGES Pauillac

Chateau COS LABORY Saint-Estephe

Les Grands Crus Classes de

Sauternes & Barsac en 1855

Chateau COMMUNEFIRST GREAT GROWTH (Premier Cru Superieur)Chateau dYQUEM Sauternes

FIRST GROWTHS (Premiers Crus)Chateau CLIMENS BarsacChateau COUTET Barsac

Chateau LA TOUR BLANCHE SauternesChateau LAFAURIE-PEYRAGUEY SauternesChateau GUIRAUD Sauternes

Chateau CLOS HAUT-PEYRAGUEY SauternesChateau RIEUSSEC Sauternes

Chateau de RAYNE-VIGNEAU SauternesChateau RABAUD-PROMIS SauternesChateau SUDUIRAUT SauternesChateau SIGALAS-RABAUD Sauternes

SECOND GROWTHS (Deuxiemes Crus)Chateau de MYRAT BarsacChateau NAIRAC BarsacChateau DOISY DA NE Barsac

Chateau CAILLOU BarsacChateau DOISY-DUBROCA BarsacChateau SUAU BarsacChateau DOISY-VEDRINES Barsac

Chateau BROUSTET BarsacChateau de MALLE SauternesChateau dARCHE Sauternes

Chateau ROMER DU HAYOT SauternesChateau FILHOT SauternesChateau ROMER Sauternes

Chateau LAMOTHE SauternesChateau LAMOTHE-GUIGNARD Sauternes



The Five Ofcial Classications Since 1855

Five categories o Bordeaux wine have now been established at dierent points in time. These legally dened classications have identied

benchmark producers in their respective appellations. Though, as with the original 1855 Medoc Classication, these benchmarks remain un-

damentally subjective. Each new vintage eeds debates amongst wine proessionals and consumers alike.

1. The 1855 Classication, which has already been mentioned above, concerns 60 Crus rom the Mdoc including 1 Grand Cru Class in

Graves (Chteau Haut-Brion). As with wines rom Mdoc, the weighty reputation and incredible demand or these sweet wines positioned

them as the ideal representatives rom the Gironde at the 1855 Exposition Universelle. The classication o the Sauternes and Barsac crus hasonly three classes: Premier Cru Suprieur, Premiers Crus and Deuximes Crus. The Premier Cru Suprieur does not exist in the Mdoc clas-

sication. It was attributed only to the Chteau dYquem. Thus 27 sweet wines rom the Sauternes and Barsac regions were classied in 1855,

including 10 rom the Barsac region.

2. The Graves Classifcation

At the request o the Dense de lappellation Graves, the Institut National des appellation dOrigine (INAO) proceeded to classiy the crus rom

this region in 1953, and revised and completed its work in1959. The classication was organised by district and wine colour or these terroirs,

since both excellent red and white wines are produced. 16 Domaines (or estates) were classied or one (red and/or white) or both colours (6

o them). Chteau Haut-Brion was not part o this process, since it was included in the 1855 classication. The Graves crus classication has

only one level and thus does not establish a hierarchy. All o the crus classs rom Graves are situated on the appellation o Pessac-Lognan,

which explains the pre-eminent quality o this relatively recent appellation (1987). The legal written ramework o this classication does not

allow or revision.

Ofcial 1959 Graves Classication

Chateau CommuneClassifed Red WinesChateau Bouscaut CadaujacChateau Haut-Bailly Leognan

Chateau Carbonnieux LeognanChateau de Chevalier LeognanDomaine de Chevalier Leognan

Chateau de Fieuzal LeognanChateau dOlivier Leognan

Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere LeognanChateau La Tour-Martillac Martillac

Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafte MartillacChateau Haut-Brion PessacChateau La Mission-Haut-Brion Talence

Chateau Pape-Clement PessacChateau Latour-Haut-Brion Talence

Classifed White WinesChateau Bouscaut Cadaujac

Chateau Carbonnieux LeognanDomaine de Chevalier Leognan

Chateau dOlivier LeognanChateau Malartic-Lagraviere LeognanChateau La Tour-Martillac MartillacChateau Laville-Haut-Brion Talence

Chateau Couhins-Lurton Villenave dOronChateau Couhins Villenave dOronChateau Haut-Brion Pessac



3. The St. Emilion Classifcation.

The rst Saint-Emilion classication was established a century ater those o Mdoc and Graves, and unique to Bordeaux in that its legal

ramework provides or systematic updates every 10 years. Every cru class rom Saint-Emilion must ollow the same procedure to continue to

be classied. Price is not considered in the classication as it was in Mdoc and the Graves in 1855. Instead, the decree states that in order to be

a candidate or classication, the estate "must constitute a suciently large economic and viticultural unit and have cellars used exclusively

or wine made on the estate," but also that "at least 50% o the total vines must be able to produce wines entitled to Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

status rom vines over twelve years old." Furthermore, "over the last ten years, the estate must have obtained the approval certicate or Saint-

Emilion Grand Cru status or at least seven harvests." The current classication criteria were designed to ensure stability in the quality and

management o the vineyards. As a result, candidates must also undertake not to modiy the property and to bottle their wine at the chteau.

The rst classication was done in 1954; the most recent (2006) is the subject o lively discussions among wine insiders and the press.

See the entry on the St. Emilion appellation or more.

St Emilion Classication (Ofcially re-classied 2006)Premier Grand Cru Class A(First Great Growths category A)

Chteau AusoneChteau Cheval Blanc

Premier Grand Cru Class B(First Great Growths category B)

Chteau Angelus

Chteau Beau-Sejour-BecotChteau Beausejour (Duau-Lagarrosse)Chteau Belair

Chteau CanonChteau FigeacChteau La Gaeliere

Chteau MagdelaineChteau PavieChteau Pavie-MacquinChteau Troplong Mondot

Chteau TrottevieilleClos Fourtet

Grand Cru Class

Chteau Balestard la Tonnelle

Chteau Belleont-BelcierChteau BellevueChteau Bergat

Chteau Berliquet

Chteau Cadet-BonChteau Cadet-Piolat

Chteau Canon la GaeliereChteau Cap de MourlinChteau Chauvin

Chteau CorbinChteau Corbin-MichotteChteau Dassault

Chteau DestieuxChteau Faurie-de-SouchardChteau Fleur-CardinaleChteau Fonplegade

Chteau FonroqueChteau Franc-Mayne

Chteau Grand CorbinChteau Grand Corbin DespangesChteau Grand MayneChteau Grand Pontet

Chteau Guadet St-JulienChteau Haut CorbinChteau Haut Sarpe

Chteau LArrose

Chteau La ClotteChteau La Couspaude

Chteau La DominiqueChteau La Marzelle Chteau La SerreChteau La Tour-du-Pin-Figeac (Giraud-Blivier)

Chteau La Tour-du-Pin-Figeac (Moueix)Chteau La Tour FigeacChteau LanioteChteau Larcis-Ducasse

Chteau LarmandeChteau LaroqueChteau Laroze

Chteau Le PrieureChteau Les Grandes MuraillesChteau Matras

Chteau MonbousquetChteau Moulin du CadetChteau Pavie-Decesse

Chteau Petit-Faurie-de-SoutardChteau RipeauChteau Saint-Georges Cte Pavie

Chteau SoutardChteau Terte-DaugayChteau Villemaurine

Chteau Yon-FigeacClos de lOratoireClos des Jacobins

Clos Saint-MartinCouvent des Jacobins

4. The Medoc Crus Bourgeois Classifcation

The Alliance o Mdoc Crus Bourgeois includes over 200 estates that maintain a tradition o quality dating back to the 12th century. Although

the middle-class were able to purchase high-quality land in Mdoc as o the 15th century, it was not until 1932 that 444 o them were named

Crus Bourgeois by the Syndicat des Courtiers de la Place de Bordeaux. However, due to the war and successive crises in winemaking, their

number dropped to 94. During the exceptional development o Bordeaux wines in the 1980s and 1990s the Crus Bourgeois returned to centrestage developing a growing reputation. Today, the Mdoc Crus Bourgeois account or 44% o the vines in the Mdoc. Beginning with the 2006

vintage, three new labelling rules have come into eect in order to improve the perception o quality: any reerence to a cuve, or special bot-

tling, is orbidden or a Cru Bourgeois; additional reerences o an unregulated or inormational nature (old vines, barrel aged, etc.) that may

create conusion among consumers are orbidden on the ront label; and the Cru Bourgeois designation, ollowed by its classication rank,

must appear on the label.

5. The Cru Artisans Classifcation

Although not widely known, in Mdoc, vineyards with the cru artisan denomination have existed or more than 150 years alongside larger,

and oten classied, estates. A ministerial decree o January 11, 2006 ocially reserves the Cru Artisan denomination or 44 properties in

Mdoc, Haut-Mdoc and the Mdocs community appellations. The publication o this classication is the result o a long process undertaken

by the Union o Mdoc Crus Artisans at the instigation o several chteaux. Since February 1989, the Union worked to restore the rightul title

to this amily o crus that disappeared in the 1930s. It helped restore honour to the term artisan, which was ormally recognized by the Eu-

ropean Union in 1994. The 44 classied properties must be amily businesses that grow, make, market and sell their wines. The Crus Artisans

may use the Cru Artisan denomination on labels, in presentations, advertising and all other orms o marketing. Today, they represent 340

hectares o vines in production, mainly in the Mdoc and Haut-Mdoc appellations, but also the Mdocs community appellations o Listrac,

Moulis, Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac and Saint-Estphe. As such, the Crus Artisans are subject to the same controls and production stand-

ards as the other Mdoc wines, under the aegis o the Institut National des appellations dOrigine. (2)



The 57 Bordeaux Appellationsand their Grape Varieties

The Bordeaux wine trade today involves many groups, and within each there are also vast dierences o scale. There is very little in

common between a grand cru classe proprietor in the Haut-Medoc and a small grower with a ew hectares on the opposite side o the

Gironde estuary at Bourg or Blaye. Accounts o the Gironde wine industry oten ail to include the many small vineyards run by peasants,

although such places are immensely valuable to the region, providing wine-lovers with good wine at low prices. The variety o people and

organizations is echoed in the diversity o the natural environment. First o all there are the distinctive local soils, beginning with the most

amous, the gravels which have given their name to Graves and which are present throughout on the let bank o the Garonne and in the

Libourne region (in Pomerol and part o Saint Emilion). These provide ideal soil conditions or vines as they encourage deep root penetration

and a well regulated intake o water. Limestone and clay/limestone soils on sites in Saint Emilion, Sauternes and the Cotes also have specic

characteristics. Finally, there are areas o molasse sandstone, boulbenes (stoney silt/clay) and recent alluvial deposits. The latter are typical o

soils alongside rivers and are known in the Gironde area as palus (rom the Latin or marsh). The variety o soils has encouraged the produc-

tion o a broad range o wines produced in 57 appellations which can be approached in a variety o ways. We have adopted the division into

6 major sections as ollows:

1. BORDEAUX & BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR2. MEDOC & GRAVES

3. COTES DE BORDEAUX

4. St EMILION, POMEROL & FRONSAC

5. DRY WHITE WINES

6. SWEET WHITE WINES

Becoming amiliar with what regions are permitted to produce which wines is a daunting learning curve or those with little experience o

Bordeaux. Thankully, we have had some help in this endeavor, and much o the inormation you will nd below has been compiled rom the

ocial Bordeaux web site, www.bordeaux.com with the permission o the Conseil Interproessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux. The peculiar orcommon characteristics o each appellation, the grape varieties used, along with a general impression o each districts wine style are outlined,

as are some o the more notable producers. We trust this guide will serve as an introduction to The Wine Capital o The World, and stimulate

interest or Bordeaux wines which Nicks Wine Merchants continue to ship on a regular basis.

TABLE 1: Proportions o Grape Varieties planted in Bordeaux



Introductory notes adapted rom: The Wines and Vineyards o France published by Viking (Penguin)

Appellation inormation sourced rom the ofcial Bordeaux Wine website: www.bordeaux.com Conseil Interproessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux.



Bordeaux & Bordeaux SuperieurBordeaux AOC

Bordeaux AOC wines are made rom Cabernet Sauvignon, whose tannins are balanced by the ruit and silky texture o Merlot. Cabernet Franc

can also be part o the blend to impart roundness and spicy aromas, whereas Malbec and Petit Verdot are used sparingly. Bordeaux AOC wines

can be produced on the entire wine-producing area o the Gironde in accordance with quality norms set by the I.N.A.O. (Institut National des

appellations dOrigine). Accordingly, the maximum authorized yield is 55 hL/ha, and the alcohol level (in % o volume) must be between 10and 13%. I not qualitatively then at least quantitatively, Bordeaux AOC wine are the most signicant with an average yearly production o 2

500 000 hL. and a declared surace: 44 000 ha

Bordeaux SuprieurBordeaux Suprieur AOC wines are produced rom selected vineyard plots and older vines. As a result, these red wines are generally more

complex and have a better ageing potential than Bordeaux AOC wines. Red Bordeaux Suprieur wines are made rom the same varieties as

Bordeaux AOC wines, however this AOC has even stricter production norms that the Bordeaux AOC: smaller yields (50 hL/ha), a higher per-

mitted alcohol strength (0.5%) and the producer must age the wines a minimum o 12 months beore selling them.

Bordeaux ClairetTaking their name rom the English term Claret, which was used to describe Bordeaux wines in the Middles Ages due to their light robe (lu-

minous ruby colour), the Bordeaux Clairet AOC made rom blends o the same grape varieties as red Bordeaux AOC wines, wherein Merlot

oten dominates. With little tannin, these wines are resh, light, silky and easy to drink and subject to the same quality constraints during

production as other Bordeaux AOC wines: yields o 55 hL/ha maximum, chemical analysis and an ocial tasting.

Bordeaux RoseBordeaux Ros is a regional appellation which stretches over the whole Gironde production area. As with other Bordeaux wines, they must

conorm to production norms: yields are limited to 55 hL/ha, a chemical analysis and an ocial tasting to validate the granting o AOC status.

While consumers interest or Bordeaux Ross has recently increased, they can be dicult to produce. Aromas, which depend on the type o

yeast used and on the conditions under which maceration occurs, are very sensitive to oxidization. In order to achieve this and to satisy con-

sumer demand, producers have equipped themselves with the latest technology to better master the production process. Combining reshness

and aromatic richness, Bordeaux Ross are perect with all types o ood, notably light Summer meals and exotic dishes and are best drunk

within 1-2 years.

ImageConseilInterp

rofessionnelduVindeBordeaux



The Left Bank:Medoc & GravesThe Mdoc and Graves include ten AOCs, including reds to the north in Mdoc, and both reds and whites to the south

in Graves. The reds, which are made primarily rom Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, are well structured, ull and rich

with signicant aging potential. The whites, which may be dry or medium sweet, are blends o Sauvignon and Smil-

lon. Representing approximately 15% o wine production in Bordeaux, this AOC amily includes all o the winemaking

areas situated on the Let Bank o the Garonne River. The Mdoc, located north o the city o Bordeaux, and the Graves,

in the south, share temperate weather conditions due to the proximity o the Atlantic Ocean, as well as soil containing

stones and sand carried by the river rom as ar away as the Pyrnes Mountains. A great number o the Bordeaux clas-

sied wines are produced in the Mdoc and Graves, such as the 1855 Grands Crus Classs, the Crus Artisans, and the

Graves Crus Classs.

MedocThe name Mdoc comes rom the Latin in medio aqu, meaning in the middle o the water. The geographic

disposition o this peninsula, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gironde river on the other, coners a gentle

and temperate climate, sheltering over 1500 Chateau properties. While this appellation includes all o the winemaking

areas north o Bordeaux, on the Let Bank o the Gironde it is mostly in the northern point o the peninsula that the ma-

jority o the Mdoc AOC wines are produced. Soils are composed o terraces o alluvial gravel deposits, separated by tiny

streams which provide an excellent drainage system. The light soils are highly suited or growing Cabernet Sauvignon.

Merlot, on the other hand, preers deep clay soils located between the gravely terraces. The two dominant varieties are

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which alone represents 50% o planted suraces. Petit Verdot and Malbec are some-

times added to improve the tannic structure, colour and ruitiness o wines during blending. The district is generally

considered a source o inexpensive, good-value, basic Bordeaux. Noteworthy properties include: Haut-Condissas, Le

Boscq, Rollan de By, Laon, Loudenne, Ormes-Sorbet, Patache dAux, Potensac, and Tour de By.

Haut MedocThe vast Haut-Mdoc accounts or approximately one third o the Let Banks total vineyards. It is the region o the

Mdoc located closest to the city o Bordeaux and contains six other appellations including Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien and Saint-Estephe, enclaved in the districts centre. The Haut Medoc AOC which was separated rom Medocs ap-

pellation in 1936, includes 25 townships. The diverse soils include well-drained alluvial gravel terraces are best suited or

the growing o Cabernet Sauvignon (52% o planted suraces). This being the dominant variety in Haut Medoc wines,

is blended with Merlot. Petit Verdot, and, to a lesser extent, Malbec are also oten added. The Haut-Mdoc appellation

itsel has ve Grand Cru Class - or Classied Growth properties: La Lagune, La Tour-Carnet, Belgrave, Cantemerle

and Camensac, as well as several quality properties such as Agassac, Cambon la Pelouse, Couran, Arche, Malescasse,

Cissac, Hanteillan, Lamothe-Bergeron, Lanessan, Larose Trintaudon or Snjac. The ocial decree or the Haut-Mdoc

AOC denes strict production norms: a high planting density (a minimum o 6,500 plants/ha) and low maximum

yields (48 hL/ha).

Listrac MedocA communal appellation since 1957, Listrac-Medoc oers feshy and aromatic blends o Cabernet Sauvignon, whichimparts structure, and Merlot, which imparts aromatic strength and ruitiness. Cabernet Franc is added in small propor-

tions to add ruitiness and spicy aromas. The proximity o the vast Landes orest to Listrac Medoc protects this appella-

tion rom prevailing winds, enabling grapes to ripen slowly and regularly. Vines are spread over three gravely terraces

lying over a limestone base in which roots penetrate deeply to nd nutrients. This terroir oers particularly impressive

natural drainage. While ull bodied, virile and powerul in their youth, the Listrac Medocs wines become more velvety

ater 5-10 years o patience. Notable properties include Bellegrave, Clarke Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Fonraud, Four-

cas Dupr, Fourcas Hosten, Fourcas Loubaney, Maucaillou, Mayne Lalande, Reverdi and Vieux Moulin.

MoulisNamed ater the numerous windmills (moulins in French) scattered throughout the countryside, Moulis has wel-

comed vines since the 13th Century, but its current reputation only took o ater the French revolution (1789). Today,

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are planted in equal proportions with smaller areas o Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.Like Listrac Medoc, this appellation is protected rom prevailing winds by a vast pine orest that grows alongside it. Ter-

roir is composed o gravel terraces alternating with silt and limestone soils typical o the peninsula. As with other com-

munal appellations, the production norms are particularly strict: maximum yields o 45 hL/ha, and a planting density

o between 6,500 to 10,000 vines/ha. The appellations best properties include Brillette, Chasse-Spleen and Poujeaux.



MargauxDespite its ame, this prestigious appellation was only decreed in 1954 and today consists o ve communes: Soussans, Margaux, Arsac, Can-

tenac and Labarde. Distinguished by its poor soil, composed o a plateau o gravel and silt based on a layer o limestone or silt with clay, the

region has been prized since the Gallo-Roman era or the production o great wines. The climate is tempered by the proximity o the Gironde

Estuary, and excellent natural drainage makes or conditions conducive to the vine and to the proper ripening o the ruit. Today, one third o

the Grands Crus Classs rom the 1855 classication and Crus Artisans are produced in Margaux. These wines are made rom blends wherein

Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, to which Merlot is added along with small quantities o Malbec and Petit Verdot. The wines are considered to

be amongst the most elegant and aromatic o the Haut Medoc with excellent ageing potential.

The appellations best properties include Chteau Margaux (First Growth), Palmer (unusual or the high proportion o Merlot (equal to its con-tent o Cabernet Sauvignon), Rauzan Sgla, Ferriere, dIssan, Brane Cantenac, Kirwan, Giscours, Prieur Lichine, Labgorce Zd, La Gurgue,

Cantenac Brown and Rauzan Gassies.

PauillacArguably Bordeauxs most prestigious wine producing region, Pauillac is a port located on the Gironde Estuary, but the vineyards are perched

on a magnicent hilltop o well drained, sandy gravel soil in the heart o the Medoc. The soil is so light and poor that little will grow except

grapevines, whose roots penetrate a layer o cool and compact clay and limestone (also know as hardpan) to nd nutrients.

The appellation has the greatest concentration o First Growths in the Mdoc. These include the amous two 1st Classied Growths - Late

Rothschild and Latour. Mouton Rothschild joined the duo in 1973 ater Edmond de Rothschild nally obtained a partial revision o the his-

torical classication. There are 18 Grands Crus Classs within Pauillacs borders which account or 80% o the areas total production. Not

surprisingly, Pauillac today is synonymous with perection and represents the pinnacle o Mdoc wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, which accounts

or 65% o planted suraces in this area, is at its most majestic in Pauillac. (Merlot, and much smaller quantities o Petit Verdot or Malbec maynd there way into blends). The regions ull-blown, sometimes opulent ruity, powerul and complex wines are beautiully balanced by an

incomparable tannin structure that sees its wines ageing potential requently all between 10 and 20 years - rom the ne elegance o Late

Rothschild, to the restraint o Mouton Rothschild that turns to opulence with age, and the sheer power and longevity o Latour. Pichon Lalande

is arguably the most important o the Second Growths, ollowed by Lynch Bages, and Pichon Baron, which has been revived recently, but the

same range o styles and character is ound through the entire level o classication.

Signicant properties o the appellation include: Late Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Latour, Lynch-Bages, Pichon Longueville Comtesse de

Lalande, Pichon Longueville Baron, Grand Puy Lacoste, Pontet Canet, Clerc Milon and Duhart Milon.

Somefamouslabelsfrom

theMedoc.



Saint EstepheSaint-Estphe is the largest appellation commune in the Mdoc, located halway between the city o Bordeaux and

the estuary o the Gironde, right ater Pauillac. The appellation was planted with the arrival o the Romans and

the vineyards developed under the guidance o important landowners in the 19th Century, while ngociants rom

the place de Bordeaux secured the regions reputation. Beautiul chteaux, emblems o the power and dynamism

o this period, still stand today. The terroir o Saint-Estphe is somewhat cooler than others in the Mdoc because

o its more northerly setting. With good natural drainage, the soil is heterogeneous, being composed o a gravel-

covered plateau overlooking the Garonne River. On the surace, the soils appear light, typical o the Mdoc, but

underneath, a layer o clay and limestone enables the vine to take the best o what the earth has to oer.

Robust, powerul wines o the region generally require a long ageing beore revealing all their richness and po-

tential. The best examples o these wines, produced largely rom Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot and

Cabernet Franc, include those rom Chateauxs Cos dEstournel, Haut Marbuzet, Montrose, Calon Sgur, Meyney,

Phlan Sgur, de Pez, Laon Rochet and Ormes de Pez. The regions reputation or hard tannic wines is typied

by the lesser growths; the two top properties, the Deuxime Crus Cos dEstournel and Chteau Montrose, usually

produce very ull wines. With the movement to wines that are ruitier and that drink well sooner, Cos dEstournelhas overtaken Chteau Montrose (which used to be amous or the long term cellaring it required to become drink-

able) as the leading property in the appellation, and it is usually considered one o the super-seconds that are

considered to be close to the First Growths in quality.

St JulienAt the geographic centre o Mdoc lies Saint-Julien. Located near the port o Beychevelle, about 45 kilometers

North-West o Bordeaux downstream the Gironde, this terroir is well known or the quality o its soil and its excel-

lent drainage. On the gravel-covered terrace created by the Garonne rest clay-limestone, large stones and hardpan,

particularly well suited or growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The appellations best wines tend to combine power and

concentration with a eminine elegance, but require some patience to be appreciated at the maximum o their

potential with average aging usually 10 -15 years. Wines are comprised mostly o Cabernet Sauvignon, blended

with Merlot and, to a lesser extent, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. With eleven Classied Growths including ve

superb second Grands Crus Classs, Saint Julien remains a very desirable appellation, oten avorably compared to

Paulliac. Some properties o note include Chateaus Loville las Cases, Loville Barton, Ducru Beaucaillou, Gruaud

Larose, Saint Pierre, Langoa Barton, Loville Poyerr, Gloria and Talbot.

Image Conseil Interproessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux



GravesWith a slight predominance o Merlot (50%

o planted suraces), and a strong minority o

Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), these wines are

a perect example o the Bordeaux balance

between suppleness and rmness, richness

and aromatic persistence, with good age-

ing potential. The appellation stretches or

50 km along the Garonne River southeasto Bordeaux and takes its name rom its soil

(Graves is French or gravelly terrain), a mix

o stones and gravel, carried by the Garonne

rom the Pyrenees, over 500 km away. The

pebbles and stones are mixed with silts and

light clays and rest on a soil that is sandier

than that o Mdoc and can be pure sand or

hardpan (iron-oxide cemented sand).

Protected rom poor weather by a dense pine

orest and rom heat by the breeze rom the

river, the Graves terroir has an excellent mi-cro-climate or vines. Some o the more a-

mous properties include Pape-Clment and

Haut Bailly.

Pessac - LeognanPessac-Leognan is reputed to be the place

where wine growing began in Bordeaux

around 2000 years ago. Since the Roman

era, the aptness o this terroir had been rec-

ognized and its wines have been amous in

Europe since the Middle Ages. Yet despite its

ancient terroir, it is the most recently decreed

let bank appellation, originating in 1987,

when the Graves district was split in two.

Situated immediately south o Bordeaux and

literally surrounded by urban development,

the Pessac-Lognan vineyards owe their

reputation to their Crus Classs composed o

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet

Franc.

Soils possess excellent drainage and are com-

posed o a particularly thick layer o graveland stone. Underneath lies sand, hardpan

and clay in variable proportions. Further

away rom the city, the vines are planted in

vast clearings, surrounded by pine orests

in the south west that protect the vineyards

rom humid western winds. Balanced and el-

egant when young, these wines have a struc-

ture and depth that allows them to age or

many years. The wines tend to reveal earth-

ier tones compared with the Mdoc, and are

oten described as showing smoky, cigar-box

aromas. Ch Haut-Brion is the most amousexponent o the style.




Cotes de Bordeaux: The HillsThe wines produced here, mainly red, distinguish themselves by their strong character, aromatic power and well bal-

anced structure. Although Merlot dominates, the blends always include Cabernet Sauvignon and, occasionally, Caber-

net Franc. Certain Ctes AOCs produce a signicant amount o medium sweet and sweet wines, thanks to a specic

micro-climate that avours the over-ripening o the grapes. The Ctes (literally hills) are located in the east, on steep

slopes o hills and valleys created by the Garonne and Dordogne rivers that fow through the area. Oten acing south or

southeast, the vines that grow on these slopes have excellent exposure to the sun. With similar clay-limestone soils, theCtes includes some quality wine-producing terroirs and represents 14% o Bordeaux wines.

Premieres Cotes du BordeauxThe Premires Ctes de Bordeaux vineyards have being planted out since the Roman era and the district long beneted

rom its proximity to the city o Bordeaux, rom where it exported its wines to England and the rest o the world. Over-

looking the Garonne River, the appellation is a succession o hills with excellent exposure to the sun, producing more

generous wines which have a good ageing potential but can also be enjoyed young. The vineyard o the Premires Ctes

de Bordeaux spreads over a 60 km strip along the river, rom Bordeaux to Langon. Here, there is no thick layer o stones

and pebbles but, rather, dense and deep clay limestone or clay gravel slopes. Well drained due to the natural inclination,

these soils also have ne elements in lower areas, such as silt and clay, or coarser elements higher up on the hills, such

as rocks and gravel.

BlayeThis AOC is located on the right bank o the Gironde. Vines benet rom a clay-limestone terroir o hills perpendicular

to the Gironde Estuary, perectly exposed to the sun. Produced rom a blend o Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet

Franc and Malbec, and occasionally Petit Verdot, these wines are concentrated, balanced, well structured, and develop

beautiul bouquets over time. The Blaye AOC, established in 1936, was relaunched in 2000 by winemakers who agreed

to work with severe production limits to produce higher quality wines. Plantation density is set at a minimum o 6 000

vinestocks per hectare, and wines must be aged at least 18 months beore being sold.

Premieres Cotes de BlayeThe largest o the Cte appellations, and most northern (45 km north o Bordeaux), this appellation produces velvety,

ruity, balanced wines. The Blayais vineyards are made up o hills and valleys, with the Gironde Estuary separatingBlaye rom the Mdoc. The position o the hills in relationship to the estuary creates an almost constant ventilation or

the vines ensuring healthy, ripe ruit. The nearby water tempers the areas sunny conditions (approx. 240 days o sun-

shine a year). Clay and limestone soils predominate, ideal or Merlot. As a result, the blends o this appellation combine

Merlot (which predominates) with Cabernet Sauvignon and minor proportions o Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Since

2006, this AOC is able to use the term Ctes de Bordeaux, as can the other Ctes AOCs. This appellation also produces

dry white wines.

Cotes de BourgThe Bourg vineyards, just south o the Blaye vineyards, are opposite the majestic area where two great rivers, the Gar-

onne and the Dordogne merge, 35 km north o Bordeaux. Here as well, the important presence o water tempers the very

sunny microclimate o the hills. The medium suraces are somewhat poor, as is oten the case in the east and north o the

Bordeaux vineyards. 250 winegrowers bring their grapes to our cooperatives with the AOC comprised o 15 communes

and 500 winemakers, mostly amily based. The soil o the hills has a strong clay limestone base. Sandy gravel deposits

are sometimes covered with brown and red marl, suitable or Merlot, and so not surprisingly, it accounts or 67% o the

vines planted in the AOC. Other varieties include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. In their youth, the

Ctes de Bourg wines are oten characterized by favours o red ruits and spices and may be appreciated at a young age

or their delightul ruit and balance. Growers also produce wines which have good aging potential.

White Ctes de Bourg are very rare, with only 20 ha in production. A blend o Sauvignon (45%), Smillon and Colom-

bard, they enchant with their vivacity, their ullness in the mouth, and delicately aromatic notes o citrus, peach, yellow

and white fowers. Properties include Barreyre, Bel-Air, Bellevue, la Grave, and Renardire.

Sainte-Foy-BordeauxAlong the Dordogne River, this AOC is an alignment o hills. Composed o 19 villages, some tiny, in the eastern extreme

o the Bordeaux region. The wines o this obscure appellation use Merlot as their base which represents 60% in blends.

Cabernet Sauvignon is reserved or lighter, warmer soils and represents only 20% o vines planted. Vineyards are gener-

ally on the upper reaches o hills and plateaus. The terroir eatures quite deep soils, with lots o clay and limestone. 60

producers share this small appellation. Some among them have ounded the Club 45 with the idea o lowering their

yields to 45 hL/ha, lower than the current AOC requirement o 50hL/ha.



Bordeaux Cotes de FrancsThe smallest o the Ctes de Bordeaux AOCs consists o three villages grouped around their historic church. This AOC, created in 1967, is 10

km east o Saint-Emilion and includes around 50 winegrowers. The average area o the enterprises, oten amily-based, is only 6 ha. The ter-

roir is well aerated, has excellent sunny conditions, very little rain and ideal temperatures to encourage the gradual ripening o Merlot. Beingnot ar rom the Dordogne River, the Ctes de Francs also benets rom a certain warmth that tempers the continental weather infuences o

this zone. Clay and limestone soils overlay chalky sandstone depths. In the red wines, Merlot is the leader (50% o vines planted), ollowed by

Cabernet Franc (25%) and Cabernet-Sauvignon (23%). However, as in other AOCs in the east o Bordeaux, it is not unusual to nd that Ca-

bernet-Franc is planted more in some vineyards. It matures more quickly, and contributes to creating wines that are more perumed, rounder

and generous. Pleasant to drink young, these wines have a potential to age rom 5 to 10 years. There are also some rare bottles o white Ctes

de Francs that are blends o Smillon (60%) and Colombard (25%). Good, ruity rich wines, some o which are even sweet.

Cotes de CastillonCastillon-la-bataille recalls tragic events in the history o France and England (the battle that took place there in 1453 marked the end o the

100 Years War). This AOC created only recently in 1989, is hidden behind Saint-Emilion. On the side o the hills and on the plateau, the soil is

composed o clay and limestone, with some sandstone. At the bottom o the hills, on the alluvial terrace, closer to the river, the soil contains

more silt and sand, with stones. The wines here are smoother, charming and pleasant, though less powerul. Due to the clay-limestone soilsand the more continental weather, Merlot is the primary grape variety in the AOC (70% o vines planted). Cabernet-Franc comes in second

(20%) and on warmer plots Cabernet-Sauvignon (more dicult to mature) is also planted. In the past, the regions wines were generally used

to enhance Saint-Emilion blendings in poor years. But in the 1970s, a particularly dramatic eort by local wine growers improved the overall

quality o production and in just a ew years, Castillon has become a serious competitor o the main appellations o the right bank. Some o

the more highly regarded properties inlcude Domaine de lA, dAiguilhe, Fompeyre, Clos lEglise, Guilhemanson, La Tuque Bel-Air, Brisson,

Cap de Faugres, Pin-Beausoleil and le Pin de Belcier. Since 2006, this AOC also can use the term Ctes de Bordeaux, as can the other Ctes

AOCs.

Graves de VayresKnown or its Renaissance Chteau in the Dordogne domain, the AOC Graves de Vayres, which has existed since 1936, has been revitalized

since the tragic rost o 1956, when massive replanting was undertaken, with an emphasis upon producing red wines. Situated in the extreme

north o the Entre-Deux-Mers region, it is a zone o gravel soil in the middle o a vast region o clay limestone soil (Entre-Deux-Mers). Thanks

to the Dordogne, which is very wide here, the Graves de Vayres AOC enjoys a temperate eect during the summer.

Merlot is planted widely (75%), along with some Cabernet-Sauvignon (15%). Wines obtained are smooth and light. Cabernet-Sauvignon

brings the wines structure and solid tannins and depending on how much o this variety is in the blend, wines can age rom 5 to 10 years.

Since 2006, this AOC also can use the term Ctes de Bordeaux, as can the other Ctes AOCs.




The Red Wines of the Right Bank:St Emilion, Pomerol & Fronsac.This group o AOCs is located in the eastern part o the Bordeaux winemaking area, on the Right Bank o the Dordogne River, close to the city

o Libourne. Wines rom this amily represent 10% o planted suraces in the Bordeaux area. The landscape is composed o plateau, terraces,

slopes and valleys. Soil composition varies. The vines benet rom good exposure to the sun and rom the Ocean climate, characterized by cool

and humid winters which regulate temperatures. These more eminine red Bordeaux wines are aromatic , supple, subtle, elegant and have

velvety tannins. Merlot is the main grape variety here, along with Cabernet Franc, with Cabernet Sauvignon playing a secondary role.

St. EmilionThe expression the hill with a thousand Chateaux in relation to the medieval village o Saint-Emilion is not just poetic ancy: The AOC

represents more than 800 winegrowers, as well as being a distinguished world heritage site both or its historical value and its importance

as an exceptional wine-growing terroir. It is also one o the most beautiul wine-producing villages in France. For various reasons, beore the

French revolution (1789), St-Emilions land was initially divided into thousands o plots. Thus, the current average size o the properties does not

exceed 7 ha - tiny when compared to the vast Medoc estates which can be up to ve times larger. Fortunately this historical inheritance later

turned out to be an advantage due to the astonishing diversity o the local soils. While the district is oten divided into two main soil types, it

is probably more accurate to suggest our or even ve. In the centre is a limestone plateau, surrounded by chalky soils with clay and silt (also

called molasse). In the northwest o the AOC, a sandy layer covers mostly clay soils. Finally, in the Dordogne Valley to the south, lighter soils

contain alluvial stones and sand.

The weather is oceanic and temperate, due to the nearby Dordogne river, which cools the summers and helps to avoid spring rosts. Autumns

are sunny, encouraging perect ripening o the grapes. In St. Emilion, very little Cabernet-Sauvignon is to be ound since it ripens too slowly.

Instead, Merlot (60% o vines planted) and Cabernet Franc (30%) attain new heights o quality. Given the diverse terroir, it is hardly surpris-

ing that Saint-Emilion wines have a variety o proles, rom very powerul and concentrated, like those grown on the limestone plateau, to

rened and delicate, such as those rom the terroirs to the south. In St. Emilion, we also nd the nest Growths, capable o maturing or decades

produced alongside pleasant but light clarets. During the 1990s, a surprising new category o wines appeared: the garagiste wines, whose

tiny production and extremely low yields give highly ruity concentrated and extracted wines. The two most amous garagistes estates are

Valandraud and Mondotte. The Chteaux o St. Emilion are classied into our levels, in ascending order: St. Emilion, St. Emilion Grand Cru

Class, St. Emilion Premier Grand Cru Class (B), and St. Emilion Premier Grand Cru Class (A).

St Emilion Grand CruWhile it occupies the same prestigious territory as Saint-Emilion, this appellation has more restrictive production norms: a maximum yield o

40 hL/ha orces winegrowers to limit the vines load so that the grapes produce concentrated berries, resulting in some o the highest quality

wines in Bordeaux. Producers must also submit their wines to a second ormal wine tasting ater 12 months o aging. The Saint-Emilion Grands

Crus develop more concentrated notes o red berries with an aromatic richness supported by a powerul structure and silky, nely woven tan-

nins. Pleasant and plump when young, these wines have potential or aging that can oten exceed 10 years. However, since the AOC Saint-

Emilion Grand Cru is on the same production zone as Saint-Emilion, winegrowers can choose to produce according to the rules o one or the

other appellation, depending on their soils, exposure to the sun, the age o the vines or the concentration o the grapes.

It is important to note here that St Emilion is unique amongst Frances appellations in that it has a classication system which is updated every

ten years based upon vertical tastings rather then market prices. Although this has not been happening on schedule, it has been revised our

times since its creation in 1955 (1969, 1979, 1984 and 2006); with notable changes (unlike the 1855 Medoc classication). In theory, its regular

re-evaluation compels the Crus Classs to undertake eorts to maintain and upgrade their quality. However, as prestigious as the Grand Cru

classication might sound, in reality, its designation is based on little more than a ew details o the harvest - a maximum o 40 hl/ha rather

than 45 hl/ha or basic St Emilion - and a minimum alcoholic strength o 11%. For the consumer, the more important dierence lies in one

urther classication by which properties are promoted to the highest status in St Emillion, namely, St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe.

Controversy marred the most recent 2006 re-classication, which was temporarily suspended ater certain chateaux were demoted and subse-

quently took the Syndicat to court over the alleged partiality o its judges. However, in November 2007, the suspension was lited and the new

classication stands. Only two Chteaux, Ausone and Cheval Blanc, are included in the very top tier o class A Premier Grand cru; at the time

o writing, there are 10 Chteaux in the class B o Premier Grand Cru. Famous properties include Ch Figeac and Ch Canon.

Lussac - St. EmilionCreated in 1936, the Lussac-Saint-Emilion AOC not only bears its prestigious neighbours name but much o its terroir too. Here, the weather is

also moderately rainy with hot temperatures in the summer. The soils also share a amily resemblance: a base o quality clay and limestone. In

Lussac, the winegrowing areas consist o a gravel plateau in the west, and cooler clay soils that retain more water in the north. The appellation

is like a theatre, with excellent southern sun exposure. It has ideal natural drainage and like Saint-Emilion, oers wines with a dominant Mer-

lot component (60% o vines planted), though Cabernet-Franc is also in its element (30%). The wines are generally elegant and well structured,

in the Saint-Emilion style. Families make up the majority o the winegrowers.



Puisseguin St EmilionLocated very close to Saint-Emilion, this AOC created in 1936 occupies the highest elevation (89 m) in the Saint-Emilion. While its wines arelittle known, its south and south east exposure provide the conditions necessary to ripen and produce concentrated ruit. The main component

o its soils is the clay-limestone mix that is common to the region. But here it covers rocks rom which the roots absorb the nutrition they require

and sustain the vines during the hot and requently dry summers. The blend remains aithul to traditional Saint-Emilion wines with Merlot

dominating (60% o vines planted) due to the clay-limestone soils. In these conditions, it ripens easily even with the weather. Cabernet Franc,

at 30%, is its preerred partner.

Montagne St EmilionThe village o Montagne lies opposite the Saint-Emilion appellation and shares a similar terroir, though its wines are less well known. Like St.

Emilion, Montage-Saint-Emilion also has a rich and turbulent history, as attested to by its monuments and other Roman vestiges. The barbar-

ian invasions that ollowed put winegrowing on hold until it returned to prosperity in the Middle Ages. More recently, Montagne winegrowers

have taken advantage o Saint-Emilions proximity to improve their vines and the quality o their wines. The appellation has become a ris-ing star in the region. Its weather is almost identical to its neighbours Saint-Emilion, separated rom Montagne by only a small stream, the

Barbanne. The terroir consists o limestone and clay limestone soils on a thick and compact layer o porous asteriated limestone, which, by

providing water to the vines during the summer dry period, plays an essential nutritional role. The more gravel and sandy soils produce lighter,

more delicate and less tannic wines than the areas with limestone. The appellations blend generally consists o Merlot (60% o vines planted)

and Cabernet Franc (30%). Cabernet Sauvignon, which is more dicult to cultivate due to its late ripening, is reserved only or the warmest

and best-exposed sites.

Saint Georges Saint EmilionUntil 1973, the commune o Saint-Georges was independent rom Montagne, but its usion with its neighbour is understandable, considering

this little village was surrounded on three sides by it. Located very close to Saint-Emilion, this the smallest appellation in Bordeaux, however,

the 35 Saint-Georges winegrowers stand out due to the consistent soils throughout this appellation. Clay limestone covers a porous layer o

purer limestone that is ideal or providing the vines with nutrients in the relatively dry summer months. Naturally, Merlot is the king o grapesin this appellation. It represents 70% o all vines planted, ollowed by Cabernet Franc at 20%. The sot slope o this terroir guarantees perect

drainage or these varieties, yet they never suer rom drought because the underlying porous limestone ensures moisture.

The wines o Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion are when young, ruity (with notes o red berries or stone ruit) with a spicy character. Their ability

to age is known to connoisseurs.




PomerolFormally part o St Emilion, this appellation was created in 1936 and has had a winemaking tradition since Roman times. Viticulture was

abandoned during the Hundred Years War and vineyards were not re-established until the 15th century when it was continued by religious

groups who also created a hospital or pilgrims passing on their way to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Like a work o art o the

Bordeaux countryside, Pomerol has resisted the urban spread o its neighbour city o Libourne. Instead, every possible square metre o ground

that is suitable or growing vines is used. The terroir is relatively heterogeneous but generally speaking, the grounds are o a gravelly nature

on the greatest properties which are located on the highest elevations. Soils tend to become more argillaceous in the Western part o the district

rom Pomerol and more sandy near Libourne. The terroir also has one ascinating geological eature: the surace o stones and sandy deposits

covers clay mixed with iron oxides, a sort o erruginous sandstone locally known as crasse de er (iron lth).

Dense in colour, rened and powerul at the same time, the Pomerol AOC is a wine that can age, but can also be enjoyed young. Powerul

tannins are partially concealed by a smooth, velvety, ull texture. Thanks to its soil and extraordinarily low yields, Pomerol is today home to

the worlds elite Merlot-based wines that combine exceptional aromatic power with velvety tannins. The appellations most amous producer

is Chteau Ptrus, a worldwide icon o Merlot winemaking, whose soil is composed o black clays with a strata o crasse de er close to the

surace. Merlot grows so well here that is represents 70% - 80% o vines planted (approx 20% being Cabernet-Franc). Ater Petrus, a non ex-

haustive list o Pomerols best properties includes Chateau Lafeur, regarded as hors classe growths; Le Pin, one o the precursors o the Ga-

rage or Garagistes style - unortunately totally unaordable; Eglise-Clinet, Trotanoy, Vieux-Chteau Certan, LEvangile, Certan-de-May, La

Fleur-Ptrus, Clinet, Bon Pasteur, Le Gay, Rouget, Clos lEglise, Nnin, Petit-Village, Lagrange and Gazin. Great vintages oer an extraordinary

experience or any wine lover.

Lalande de PomerolPerhaps in part due to its proximity to its prestigious neighbouring AOC, Lalande-de-Pomerol, comprising one hundred and ninety-two pro-

ducers, has gained well-deserved recognition. The AOC is composed o successive terraces covering two communes: Lalande, quite fat, and

Nac, quite hilly. The soil in this appellation is an ideal mix o clay, stones and even sand in the western part, close to the river. In Nac, the

clay can even be ound deep in the ground, which lends a wonderul dimension to Merlot. This variety accounts or 80% o the vines planted,

along with Cabernet Franc at 15% and Cabernet Sauvignon in the minority. The Lalande-de-Pommerol wines have a unique very dark ruby-

garnet colour. Their very distinct and expressive nose, with notes o small red berries (red current, strawberry, cherry, raspberry), develops notes

o plums, leather, game and even coco. Tight tannins are always velvety and never hard. Some wines are even reminiscent o those rom

neighbouring Saint-Emilion or Pomerol and at a raction o the price. Suce to say, Lalande-de-Pomerol has become a rising appellation and

is increasingly sought ater. Star properties include La Fleur de Board, Belles-Graves, de Chambrun, Haut Chaigneau, La Chenade, Chteau

La Sergue, Tourneeuille, Jean de Gu, De Viaud, Les Annereaux and Des Tuileries.



FronsacLocated in a rugged, picturesque landscape where the Dordogne and the Isle rivers meet, Fronsac is an ancient ortied city with a long his-

tory o wine production. (Libournes elite recognized its excellence as early as the 18th century, even beore Saint-Emilion, and its wines have

been appreciated in Europe since the 16th Century). Where the Isle River fows into the large Dordogne, it creates a microclimate that reduces

night rosts in spring and cools summers heat. Steep slopes are another unique eature o the terroir. The appellation has many dierent soil

types, but they all share the alluvial characteristics at the bottom o the slopes and clay-limestone hills (and even pure limestone, as in Saint-

Emilion). Deeper in the ground, rocks with chalk and clay are ound (molasse) making or excellent drainage. Powerul and complex wines

result. Merlot, which preers deep soil, ripens better here than Cabernet-Sauvignon. Cabernet-Franc contributes touches o raspberry and round

but powerul tannins. The ageing potential Fronsac wines is quite signicant and the best wines can easily wait 10-15 years to be tasted attheir optimum. Some properties include Canon de Brem, Dalem, La Dauphine, Fontenil, Moulin Haut Laroque, La Rousselle and Cassagne

Haut-Canon.

Canon FronsacSmaller than Fronsac, the Canon-Fronsac appellation occupies higher terrain, with steep slopes known as Cte de Canon,being the AOCs

characteristic geographic eature. Situated close to and above the neighbouring Fronsac AOC, Canon Fronsac overlooks the point where the

Dordogne and the Isle rivers meet. Here too, the water cools the air in the summer, and warms it in the spring, much to the benet o the

vines. Soils are composed o clay-limestone over banks o compact limestone. Over the last 100 years, the winegrowers o Canon-Fronsac have

completely changed the types o vines planted. Malbec used to be planted on the hills o these two appellations. But when it was proven that

Merlot was better suited to these clay limestone soils, the producers adopted it (70% o vines planted). Cabernet-Franc and Cabernet-Sauvignon

are equally represented at 15% each o vines planted. The regions wines are oten considered to be under-rated, having even more depth and

consistency in the mouth than Fronsac, with a rank and powerul attack. The region is tiny, with approximately 300 ha under vine.

The Dry White Wines of BordeauxBordeaux oers beautiully balanced white wines, predominately made rom Sauvignon and Smillon, oering the ideal combination o ruit,

liveliness and aromatic richness. Although most o these wines are consumed young, others are sought ater or their complexity, their strength

and their ageing potential. These AOCs include wines rom all categories: rom simple, easy to drink wines, to wines that have been classied,

notably in the Graves. The amily o Dry White Wines is composed o all white wines produced in the Gironde, including within appellations

specic to red wine production (Mdoc, Saint-Emilion-Pomerol-Fronsac etc.) or to the production o sweet wines. This amily o wines is com-

prised o 12 AOCs and represents 8% o Bordeaux wines.

Bordeaux & Bordeaux SecThe Bordeaux regions dry white AOC wines oer a ne balance o Sauvignons ruitiness and Smillons roundness. These whites can be ound

throughout the Bordeaux region under a large regional appellation. Like Bordeaux reds, the dry whites are produced by blending the major

grape varieties authorized by appellations ormal production standards. The three main varietals are Sauvignon (42% o all vines planted),

Smillon (42%) and Muscadelle (9%). Each variety is planted in the micro-climates and soils across the region that best suit it. Sauvignon

preers cooler terroirs with soils dominated by clay and limestone (as ound in the Entre-Deux-Mers area and more generally in the eastern

parts o the region), while Smillon is better suited to warmer and lighter soils (such as in the Graves region). Bordeaux AOC whites must be

absolutely dry and must not surpass 4 grams o residual sugars per litre. They develop elegant, ruity and foral aromas uniting lemon notes

with those o white fowers and peaches.

Entre-Deux-MersThis appellation lies between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, and oers lively and smooth dry white wines, produced throughout the area

between the two great rivers. In act, ater Bordeaux AOC, the Entre-Deaux-Mers is the biggest dry white appellation in the Bordeaux region.

Growers are members o cooperatives, and are preoccupied with the study o aromas produced by the various local grape varieties, with a

specic ocus on Sauvignon, the star grape variety o Entre-deux-Mers. This varietal is the subject o vinication studies in the search or a bal-

ance between its powerul aromas and its naturally high acidity. While the primary grape variety cultivated in Entre-deux-Mers is Sauvignon,

Smillon (which adds roundness and power) is its preerred partner. Muscadelle sometimes adds highly appreciated wild and musky notes. The

vines are grown in clay-limestone soils and the wines which vary greatly in quality, are generally best drunk young being distinguished by a

rereshing quality and a good persistence o aromas with notes o citrus, yellow fowers and exotic ruit.

Entre-Deux-Mers-Haut-BenaugeIn the southern part o the region, this little-known AOC makes similar wines as Entre-Deux-Mers. The AOC takes its name rom the Chteau

de Benauge, the seat o the Viscount who governed the region. Vines grow in clay-limestone soils and are distinguished by a thirst-quenching

reshness, but also by good persistence o aromas with notes o citrus, yellow fowers and exotic ruit.



BlayeThe largest o the Cte appellations, it is also the most northern, situated 45 km north o Bordeaux. This appellation, the lAOC Ctes de Blaye,

created in 1936, is almost unknown with only 20 ha o Colombard under vine along with Ugni Blanc and smaller plantings o Sauvignon

Blanc. The resulting wines are lively and resh, but take second place to the regions Premieres Cotes de Blaye reds.

Premires Ctes de BlayeIn the northernmost part o Bordeaux, the Premires Ctes de Blaye AOC oers a special exposure and micro-climate, perched on a rocky ridge

dominating the Girondes estuary. Its particularly high number o sunshine hours and clay and limestone soils make it perectly suited to white

grape varieties such as Sauvignon and Smillon. Colombard and Ugni Blanc also play a part in the blend, though they do not exceed 30% o

the vines. Conditions are good or growing these two grape varieties (which are highly regarded in nearby Cognac).

The wines typically have a delicate, light colour with hints o green. Being quite delicate these wines make excellent apritis and can accom-

pany sh, seaood and white meat equally well.

Ctes de BourgThe Ctes de Bourg AOC is a new generation o Bordeaux wines with enthusiastic winegrowers now delivering generous, ull-bodied, aromat-

ic wines. A blend o Sauvignon (45%), Smillon and Colombard, they enchant with their vivacity, their ullness in the mouth, and delicately

aromatic notes o citrus, peach, yellow and white fowers. Ugni Blanc is also grown. With only 20 ha under vine, these wines remain rare.

Bordeaux Ctes de FrancsThe Cotes de Francs area is situated about 60 kilometers east o Bordeaux, running along the Dordogne river amongst charming hilly land-

scapes. Recognized A.O.C Ctes de Francs in 1967, the appellations soil is characterized by molasses and limestones. Forty producers viniy

wines which have close characteristics to their cousins o Saint Emilion a strong and opulent resh ruit favour in their youth, which tendsto soten with time as the tannins equilibrate with the structure. The Cotes de Francs are pleasant to taste young on the ruit, they normally

reach their peak ater 5-10 years or so. Largely unknown amongst amateurs, the best wines o Cotes de Francs are o special interest rom a

price/quality point o view. Properties include Puygueraud, La Prade, Vieux-Chne, Terrasson, Puyromage, Lalande de Tiayne and Charmes

Godard (red and white). Source: http://www.winemega.com/region_cotes_de_rancs.htm




GravesCreated in 1937, this AOC is dominated by Smillon rather than Sauvignon Blanc. This is not by

chance, since this grape variety preers shallow, warm well drained soils as those ound here. Shel-

tered rom bad weather by a thick pine orest and rom excessive heat by breezes rom the river, the

terroir provides a perect microclimate or white grape varieties. The appellation stretches or 50 km

along the Garonne River southeast o Bordeaux and takes its name rom its soil (Graves is French or

gravelly terrain), a mix o stones and gravel, carried by the Garonne rom the Pyrenees, over 500

km away. The pebbles and stones are mixed with silts and light clays and rest on a soil that is sandier

than that o Mdoc and can be pure sand or hardpan (iron-oxide cemented sand).Invariably blended with Sauvignon in the, the appellations wines are noted or their roundness, pow-

er and foral and ruit aromas and is undoubtedly the best in Bordeaux or the production o powerul

yet elegant white wines. The most amous white wine rom the district is the rare Laville Haut-Brion.

Excellent oak aged or barrel ermented examples are made by Clos Floridene and Ch Chantegrive.

Graves de VayresThe Graves de Vayres AOC white wines are produced in an area o gravel soil that is surrounded

by the clay-limestone soil o Entre-Deux-Mers. Their complexity, roundness and power are Smillon

trademarks. Situated in the extreme north o the Entre-Deux-Mers region. It is a zone o gravelly soils

in the middle o a vast region o clay-limestone soils (Entre-Deux-Mers). Once again, the gravelly

terroir explains the word Graves in the name o this AOC with the second name derived rom the

historic town o Vayres. Thanks to the Dordogne River, which is very wide here, the AOC enjoys a

temperate climate during the summer. Smillon and Sauvignon are planted here and are occasion-

ally complemented with Muscadelle. On soils o gravel and sand, this appellation produces elegant

dry white wines, sometimes barrel matured, marked by notes o hazelnut, citrus and white-feshed

ruit that are resh and unctuous. Some parts o this appellation also produce sweet wines, thanks to

Smillons ability to over ripen in the autumn sun.

Pessac-LognanThis AOC, which is literally surrounded by the urban development o the city takes its name rom its

two most important wine producing communes. The Classement des Crus de Graves o 1953, which

predates the creation o the Pessac-Lognan AOC, identied domains that today are all part o this

new AOC and the district proves that Sauvignon -- which dominates here -- can produce rich and

powerul wines with a good potential or aging, as demonstrated by its Crus Classs.

The terroir is composed o a particularly thick layer o gravel and stone, carried by the river: it can

be as thick as 3m in some places. Underneath this layer is sand, hardpan and clay in variable pro-

portions. Drainage is particularly ecient. Further away rom the city, the vines are planted in vast

clearings, surrounded by pine orests in the south west that protect rom humid western winds. Smil-

lon is very requently planted as it has the complexity and power needed or the traditional barrel

and bottle aging o the appellations ne whites. Sauvignon nonetheless must represent at least 25%

o the blend. The result is a balance o lively ruit and power, roundness and complexity. In the last 15

years, the Pessac-Lognan appellation area has made a spectacular leap rom 500 hectares in 1975

to approximately 1,300 today, thanks to the dynamism and devotion o the producers. Some world

amous and highly sought ater dry whites are made here, the most respected being rom Ch Haut

Brion, Domaine de Chevalier and Ch Malartic-Lagraviere, all o which can develop in the bottle overdecades.

Crmant de BordeauxBordeaux also produces small quantities o AOC sparkling wines by the same methods used in Cham-

pagne and as with champagne, both red and white grape varieties are used. All harvesting is done

by hand, and to ensure the grapes are not crushed, they are transported in small baskets. Delicate

pressing (to produce only 100 litres per 150 kg o harvested berries) is used to avoid extracting the

red pigments in the grape skins. The grapes are subject to an obligatory registry. Sulphur use in the

vinication is regulated to keep levels very low. The nal major hurdle to AOC status is wine tasting,

which is done at two stages: ater the wines ermentation and ater the secondary ermentation that

occurs in the bottle to produce the bubbles. See Making Sparkling Wine.

There are several types o Crmant de Bordeaux, depending on the grape varieties that are used in its

production. Blanc de Blancs are Semillon, Sauvignon or Muscadelle based while roses are made rom

the classic Bordeaux red varietals. Typically these are slightly ruity, lean wines and while they can

oer value or money, as yet they represent no serious alternative to the major Champagne brands.

Consequently, production remains very limited but is being constantly developed.



Introduction to BordeauxsWorld Famous Sweet WhitesThe magic o Bordeaux sweet wines is their remarkable balance between sugar and acidity which never becomes cloying. Medium sweet and

sweet wines are made principally rom Smillon and Sauvignon and, to a lesser extent, Muscadelle. Their exceptional sugar content results

rom the activity o Botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot which requires a very specic micro-climate to set. See Making Sauternes & Sticky

Wines. These wines have made an enormous contribution to establishing and maintaining Bordeauxs reputation, notably with such icons as

the crus classs rom Sauternes-Barsac, as well as other less well-known appellations that also produce high quality sweet wines o outstanding

value or money. The production area o Sweet White Wine stretches along both sides o the Garonne, south o the city o Bordeaux represent-

ing 3% o planted suraces in Bordeaux and includes 12 AOCs outlined below.

BarsacBarsac is located at the mouth o the Ciron, a small tributary o the Garonne, in the heart o the terroir that is so avourable to the development

o noble rot (botrytis cinerea). The cold waters o this river create a micro-climate where night mists give way to mostly sunny autumn days.

This alternation o wet and dry keeps the rot rom running riot and becoming destructive. Instead it is elevated to noble status. The Barsac

AOC is just as reputable as its amous sister, Sauternes, yet perhaps because it is smaller, with ten sweet dessert Crus Classs but no Premier Cru,

it receives dis-proportionally less attention. The village o Sauternes had long been controlled by Barsac, and or this reason, Barsac wines are

permitted to use the Sauternes appellation (the reverse is not true, however).

Barsacs dessert wines are produced with Smillon (80% o vines planted) and Sauvignon (15%) grapes. Muscadelle is used as a complementary

variety. More susceptible to noble rot than the other varieties, Smillons aromas are enhanced ater inection. It is also the grape variety that

is most at home in Barsacs soils o stones, gravel and red sand. Traditionally considered to be lighter than Sauternes yet o similar quality,

Barsacs have a characteristic ull, deep nose with a warm and elegant bouquet. In the mouth, there are notes o honey, white peach, almond,

oriental spices and mango or pineapple, as well as dried apricots or even toasted bread and vanilla. These wines are exceptionally persistent,but never become cloying. They deliver a resh and even mentholated nish. Powerul but elegant, luscious but resh, Barsac seem to have

multiple identities and much depends on individual properties winemaking and viticultural practices.




Bordeaux MoelleuxBordeaux Moelleux is a regional AOC, which means that quality sweet wines can be produced

anywhere in the Bordeaux region. They have a sugar level greater than 4 grams per litre. Smil-

lon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle are the grape varieties used in sweet Bordeaux wines, which

give them resh and ruity aromas. Similar wines, produced using the same winemaking proc-

ess in even smaller quantities, are marketed under the Bordeaux Suprieur AOC. The 60 ha o

Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire also produce Bordeaux Moelleux wines; they are made primarily with

Smillon grapes on a terroir o hills and hillsides with southern exposures located on the Right

Bank o the Garonne, acing the commune o Langon.

Bordeaux SuprieurThese traditional sweet white wines are perect as apritis, and are ideal with poultry since their

residual sugars round out its favour.

Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge

Within the southern portion o Entre-Deux-Mers is the small Haut-Benauge AC, which produces

both dry and sweet white wines.

CadillacLocated on the right bank o the Garonne, 30 km southeast o Bordeaux, right next to the majordessert wine appellations is the small appellation o Cadillac. The AOC was not established until

1973 when Cadillac was split rom the Premires Ctes de Bordeaux AOC urther north - the lat-

ter produces sweet whites as well as red wines, while Cadillac wines are exclusively white and/or

sweet. Cadillac enjoys a micro-climate that avours the growth o noble rot, but because its wines

cannot command the prices o Sauternes, the costs involved with the production o high quality

sweet whites is dicult to justiy or most in the region. The vines are generally planted on south

and southwest acing slopes o the areas clay-limestone hillsides. The sand, chalk and gravel

soils are perect or the Smillon grape, which represents 70% o the vines planted. Sauvignon

and Muscadelle are planted in smaller quantities. The wines are aromatic, ull and unctuous,

but never as heavy as Sauternes. That said, good vintages rom the likes o Chateau Fayau oer

wonderully aordable Sauternes style experiences and are worth seeking out.

CronsProbably the least important o the sweet white appellations is Crons, a little-known communal

AOC o 40 ha o vines that has had an association with wine since Roman times. Since 1936,

Crons has produced sweet wines , however, with the 20th century decline in consumption o

dessert wines in France, its winegrowers turned to producing dry whites and red wines under the

Graves AOC. Nevertheless, many wine brokers and other Bordeaux enthusiasts today consider

the Crons dessert wines to be one o the regions best kept secrets, making wines that are simi-

lar to Barsac, despite the act that much higher yields are allowed (40 hl/ha as opposed to 25

hl/he in Sauternes & Barsac). The Crons AOC wines are 80% Smillon, and the coarse sands

that cover compacted limestone terroir suit it perectly. Recommended are the sweet wines rom

Chateau de Cerons.

Ctes de Bordeaux-Saint-MacaireThe Premires Ctes de Bordeaux are minor sweet wines produced on steep, well-oriented hill-

sides.

Graves SuprieuresThe Graves Suprieures AOC sweet wines possess moderate sugar levels making them good ap-

ritis or complements to delicate sauce dishes and desserts. Their quality and style is sometimes

compared with the sweet wines rom the Cerons appellation. Since the creation o the AOC in

1937, consumption patterns have changed in avour o dry white wines and so the volume o

sweet wines produced under the Graves Suprieures AOC was

a guide to the appellations of bordeaux

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