Welcome
Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux
The vineyards sitting in the northern Left Bank Bordeaux have been planted for centuries. Some go back to ancient times when the Romans found in this ideal viticultural area a place to produce some of their most exclusive red and white wines.
The appellations of Blaye and neighbouring Bourg, Cadillac, Castillon and Côtes de Francs have always lived under the shadow of better-known communes, including the illustrious St Julian, Pauillac and Margaux in the Left Bank and the closer-to-home Pomerol and Saint Emilion.
This lack of widespread recognition led this lesser known but equally impressive regions to change their Appellations in 2009. The appellation Côtes De Bordeaux was born with special designations for Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon and Francs.
Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux was born to showcase the region's spectacular red and white wines. Overlapping appellations Blaye AOC, Côtes de Blaye AOC and Côtes de Bordeaux AOC focus on distinct styles or specific areas, so it's not uncommon to mistake one for the other. The authentic Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux and the passionate growers that call it home are working hard to distinguish themselves from neighbouring regions through quality.
Production
The Blaye district sits just across prestigious regions as well-known as St Julien. The Atlantic influence that bathes the vineyards with cool winds also blesses Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux, meaning you'll find the same grape varietals and similar styles.
The region's clays soils are more suitable for the generous Merlot, which plays the leading role in the region's red blends. Sauvignon Blanc does the same thing for the white blends. Blending grapes to achieve wine more complex than the sum of its parts is an art-form in Bordeaux, and the same traditions are deeply rooted in Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux.
Red wines are often fermented, blended and aged in oak barrels. They can be young and vibrant, suitable for early consumption, or age-worthy and contemplative, extraordinary bottles to add to any collection.
White wines rarely see oak ageing. Instead, winemakers use stainless steel fermentation tanks to bring out the diverse grapes freshness and fruit-forward aromatics.
Some old-vine plots exist, and they're the source of Blaye's most exclusive wine, especially when crafted by the generations-old wineries that call the region home.
For structured reds to thirst-quenching whites, Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux has something for every palate and occasion.
Grape Varieties and Blends
The Gironde Estuary freshens the gentle rolling hills in Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux. Here, the maritime influence allows the classic Bordeaux varieties to ripen to perfection. The red grapes allowed by the rigorous Appellation Controlé are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carménère, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot.
It is Merlot, though, the varietal that dominates most red blends, often escorted by the more structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Although mono-varietal red wines exist, the region's most splendid renditions are almost always blends that combine such famous grapes' personalities. White wines in Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux allow for the refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, the sturdier Semillon, the region's own Colombard and the floral Muscadelle.
The noblest white variety is, without a doubt, Sauvignon Blanc, but it shines the most when blended with its stablemates. The art of blending, after all, is the signature of Bordeaux and its surrounding areas.
Buy Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux Wines from Hourlier Wines
Browse Pierre Hourlier wine collection to find a beautiful Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux's selection, both white and red, from old vines to pure mono-varietal labels. We're proud to have a close partnership with Chateau Les Bertrands, a ninth-generation producer in the region. The Dubois family runs the operations and has gained an outstanding reputation as keepers of the classic Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux style. Bertrands' wine is sustainably grown, and it shows the family's expert knowledge of the region's traditional grape varieties. See a few of their impressive repertoire below.
Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux Red
Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux: Chateau Les Bertrands Diamant
This authentic diamond is a fantastic rendition of what Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux offers. The exciting blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon has scents of blackberries and blueberries with oak spices in the background. The palate is generous and fruity but with a well-defined structure ideal for red meats and hearty food.
Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux: Chateau Les Bertrands Cuvee Vieilles Vignes
With an ageing capacity between 6 and 10 years, this old-vine 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon shares similarities with neighbouring Pomerol, making it an excellent value. A pure fruit profile with a tight, pleasing acidity makes Les Bertrands' old-vine cuvee a crowd-pleasing ambassador for Right Bank Bordeaux.
Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux: Chateau Les Bertrands Cuvee Prestige
An equal part 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon blend, beautifully oak-aged for 12 months enjoys an extended maceration. This means an intense dark colour and vibrant fruit aromas mingling with baking spices and vanilla for a unique red wine that's the very definition of balance. A well-rounded expression of the land with great versatility on the table.
Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux White
Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux: Chateau Les Bertrands Cuvee Tradition
A traditional blend of 85% Sauvignon, 15% Muscadelle shows what the Dubois family can do with the region's white grapes. Very floral and easy to drink, this dry white wine rewards the nose with pastoral aromas over a lemony palate that pairs beautifully with seafood specialities.
FAQ
Where does Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux wine originate?
Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux is an extensive region in the Right Bank of the Gironde Estuary in Bordeaux, right on the opposite side of the prestigious Medoc communes. The umbrella appellation covers several picturesque small towns along the northern Right Bank. Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux surround the historical region of Bourg, which has its own appellation.
What does Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux wine taste like?
Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, being so close to Bordeaux's major regions, specialises in similar styles: red Merlot-dominated blends and Sauvignon-based white wines. Structured reds with layered bouquets reminiscent of red and black fruits with hints of spices and stimulating white wines with herbal and citrusy personalities.
Which food groups pair well with Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux wine?
Red Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux is ideal for pairings with hearty food, meat stews, roasted poultry, red meat, veal, wild boar and grilled veggies. The structured palate has well-rounded tannins that bind with the protein in meat.
White Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux is fantastic with seafood, whitefish and lean white meat. These refreshing wines also pair nicely with fresh cheese and delicate steamed food. Sauvignon Blanc adds freshness to the blends, and Semillon brings a fuller body to the palate.
