Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux
ブライ・コート・ド・ボルドー
Right-bank Bordeaux: Merlot-forward, affordable, food-friendly
Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux is a prestigious PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) appellation located on the right bank of the Gironde Estuary in Bordeaux, France, spanning approximately 6,500 hectares across 41 communes. Situated directly across from the Médoc, the region benefits from a temperate maritime climate with around 240 days of sunshine per year and the moderating influence of the Gironde Estuary. The diverse terroir features clay-limestone soils on the hillside slopes and gravel, sand, and chalk soils on the flats, producing predominantly Merlot-based red wines (90% of production) alongside fresh, vibrant whites. Originally named 'Premières Côtes de Blaye', the appellation was renamed Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux in 2009 to emphasize its Bordeaux identity. The historic town of Blaye is home to a Vauban-built citadel (17th century) recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
Best for: Everyday Bordeaux red wine lovers seeking value and approachability
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Producers
シャトー・モンフォレ
Chateau Montfollet
Chateau Montfollet is a distinguished family-owned estate in the heart of the Blaye and Cotes de Bourg appellations, managed by the Raimond family for three generations. Dominique Raimond -- celebrated as 'the man who makes Malbec sing' -- has overseen the estate since 1991, crafting wines from 67 hectares of clay-limestone slopes that overlook the Gironde estuary, directly opposite the Grands Crus de Margaux. The vineyards hold HEV Level 3 certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale), reflecting the estate's deep commitment to sustainable viticulture. Wines are vinified at the Chateaux Solidaires cooperative -- founded in 1937 and of which Raimond serves as president -- where state-of-the-art technology meets artisanal care. The range spans from the approachable Le Valentin and structured Vieilles Vignes to the prestigious Icone (a five-varietal Bordeaux blend) and the flagship Pegase, a rare 95% Malbec that has earned praise from Wine Enthusiast and scores as high as 96 points.
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www.chateaux-solidaires.com/nos-chateaux/montfollet/シャトー・バルベ
Château Barbé
Located in the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, Château Barbé is a historic family estate managed by the Bayle-Carreau family for seven generations. The vineyard benefits from exceptional sun exposure on a plateau, allowing for optimal grape ripening. The wines are characterized by a deep ruby color, with a powerful yet velvety palate featuring notes of ripe fruit, liquorice, and menthol. The estate practices sustainable viticulture and produces wines with strong personality and excellent aging potential, making them highly regarded in various wine competitions.
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www.bayle-carreau.comシャトー・ベル・エール・ラ・ロワイエール
Château Bel-Air La Royère
Château Bel-Air La Royère is a 14-hectare family estate located in Cars, on the right bank of the Gironde Estuary within the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. Acquired in 1992 by Corinne Chevrier-Loriaud, a 4th-generation winemaker descending from a family of Cognac producers in the Charente, the estate has been transformed into one of the appellation's benchmark producers. In 1995, Corinne reintroduced Malbec — which she poetically calls 'the illegitimate child of the Bordeaux vineyards' — to the vineyard, setting the estate apart from conventional Bordeaux producers. Her pioneering use of Malbec, sometimes reaching 35–50% of blends or vinified as a pure varietal, gives the wines a distinctive spicy depth and velvety texture. The estate converted to certified organic farming in 2019, following years of sustainable practices. Corinne also experiments with innovative aging methods including amphorae and Cognac casks, a nod to her family heritage. The 90%-women-led team has earned recognition from Robert Parker, Decanter, Revue des Vins de France, Figaro, and Bettane et Dessauve, and a Gold Medal at the Berliner Wine Trophy 2020. The Château Bel-Air La Royère Blanc also achieved world fame as a featured wine in the legendary manga series 'Les Gouttes de Dieu' (Drops of God).
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www.chateaubelairlaroyere.comシャトー・ベルティヌリー
Château Bertinerie
Located in the heart of the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, Château Bertinerie is a family-owned estate managed by the Bantegnies family. With a history spanning several generations, the estate is renowned for its commitment to precision viticulture and modern winemaking techniques. They focus on producing elegant, terroir-driven wines, particularly their signature white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc and red wines dominated by Merlot. The estate emphasizes sustainable practices to express the unique characteristics of the clay-limestone soils of the region.
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www.bertinerie.comシャトー・ブルデュー
Château Bourdieu
Founded in 1464 on the Right Bank of the Gironde, Château Bourdieu is one of the most storied estates in the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. In 1993, Luc Schweitzer — who grew up passing the château on his way to boarding school and dreamed of one day owning it — purchased and transformed the property. Coming from a family of Algerian grapegrowers, Schweitzer brought a deep respect for terroir to the estate, expanding its vineyards to 75 hectares of clay, limestone and gravel soils uniquely suited to Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Vines averaging 35 years of age are harvested at peak phenolic maturity, sorted rigorously, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with macerations of 3–4 weeks to capture vivid fruit. The estate's range spans three tiers: the accessible Château Bourdieu, the selection-parcel N°1 (launched 2000), and the flagship Absolu (launched 2016 when Luc's sons Ludovic and Richard joined the estate). The 2023 vintage earned a Decanter Gold Medal with 95 points, and Absolu regularly scores 91+ from Wine Enthusiast.
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www.chateau-bourdieu.comシャトー・シャロン
Château Charron
Château Charron is a historic estate founded in 1731, located in Saint-Martin-Lacaussade in the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation on Bordeaux's right bank. The estate spans 26 hectares of clay-limestone hillside overlooking the Gironde estuary, with the Médoc visible across the water. Since 2011, the property has been led by Sébastien Cazaux and Valérie Germain, who have continued the estate's tradition of producing elegant, terroir-driven wines. The red wines are dominated by Merlot (90%) blended with Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), vinified with long maceration and aged 12 to 14 months in barrels with 25% new oak. The whites are based primarily on Sémillon (75%) with Sauvignon Blanc, delivering rich texture and refined elegance. Key cuvées include 'Secret des Roches', an old-vine red of remarkable depth and balance, and 'Acacia', a structured white from old-vine Sémillon. The wines regularly receive recognition in the Guide Hachette des Vins and offer exceptional value for their quality.
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www.secretdesroches.comシャトー・クリュスケ・ド・ラガルシー
Château Crusquet de Lagarcie
Located in Cars, in the heart of the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, this family-owned estate has been managed by the de Lagarcie family for six generations. Spanning a small 4-hectare vineyard, the property benefits from a unique terroir near the Gironde estuary, where sea breezes and temperature fluctuations contribute to the freshness and maturity of the grapes. The wines, typically dominated by Merlot with a portion of Cabernet Sauvignon, are known for their balance, soft tannins, and notes of black fruit and exotic spices. The estate is recognized for its traditional vinification methods and commitment to environmental quality.
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www.bordeaux.comシャトー・ジゴー
Château Gigault
Château Gigault is an 18th-century estate located in Mazion, 6 km north of Blaye, in the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. Acquired in 1998 by Christophe Reboul Salze — who had already purchased Château Les Grands Maréchaux the year before — the property spans 29 hectares, of which roughly 15 are under vine. The vineyard is planted with 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc on clay-limestone soils with silica deposits, a terroir that imparts structure and freshness to the wines. From the outset, Reboul Salze engaged the renowned consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt to guide the estate toward the highest quality, focusing on low yields, meticulous canopy management, and minimal intervention. The flagship wine, Cuvée Viva, was created as a heartfelt tribute to Reboul Salze's daughter, who passed away in December 1998. A third cuvée, Cuvée Nature, reflects the estate's commitment to sustainability: certified HVE3 and in organic conversion since 2020, Château Gigault is steadily moving toward fully certified organic viticulture.
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chateaugigault.comシャトー・オー・ソシヨンド
Château Haut Sociondo
Château Haut Sociondo is an organically certified estate located in the village of Cars in the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, overlooking the Gironde estuary. The estate's history dates to 1949 when the Martinaud family settled here, naming it after a 7-hectare parcel acquired the same year. Since 2015, Jean-François Réaud has owned the property, with Jérôme Zabel serving as vine and wine manager. The 11-hectare vineyard, planted on clay-limestone and limestone soils, is dominated by Merlot (95%), blended with Cabernet Sauvignon (4%) and Malbec (1%). Certified organic since 2021, the estate produces structured yet approachable red wines that regularly earn scores in the 90–91 range from international critics.
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www.vignoblesgabriel.com/en/references/45-en/シャトー・オー・ベルティヌリー
Château Haut-Bertinerie
Château Haut-Bertinerie is a historic family estate in Cubnezais, at the heart of the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation on the Right Bank of the Gironde. Under five generations of the Bantegnies family — today led by brothers Eric and Frantz — the 60-hectare domaine is celebrated as the largest property in France trained entirely using the 'Lyre' vine-training system, a canopy management technique developed by France's National Agronomic Research Institute (INRA). The Lyre method opens the vine canopy to optimize sun exposure and airflow, yielding smaller quantities of grapes with exceptional ripeness and silkier, rounder tannins. Three distinct soil types — clay-limestone slopes, clay-sand plateau, and clay-limestone terraces — allow the estate to craft wines of remarkable complexity. The white Grand Vin, produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc vines averaging 25 years of age, earned 95 Points and a Gold Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards; the 2022 red Grand Vin earned the same distinction. The estate holds HVE Level 3 certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale), reflecting its deep commitment to sustainable viticulture and environmental stewardship.
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www.chateaubertinerie.comシャトー・ラ・ローズ・ベルヴュー
Château La Rose Bellevue
Château La Rose Bellevue is a four-generation family estate spanning 60 hectares in Saint-Palais, perched above the Gironde estuary in the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. Founded by Jean-Pierre Eymas, the estate was taken over in 1997 by his son Jérôme, who had spent years gaining international winemaking experience in Australia, Chile, Switzerland, and the Rhône Valley (Condrieu and Côte Rôtie). His wife Valérie joined the business in 2001. In 2019, the estate earned the High Environmental Value (HEV) certification and committed 8 hectares to organic farming. Their 'Jardin Secret' wine tourism venue in the heart of the vineyards won a Best of Wine Tourism award in 2009. From clay and limestone soils moderated by the Gironde's maritime influence, the estate crafts expressive red, white, and rosé wines known for their balance, freshness, and authentic sense of place.
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chateau-larosebellevue.comシャトー・ラコサード・サン・マルタン
Château Lacaussade Saint-Martin
Château Lacaussade Saint-Martin is a historic estate dating back to the 19th century, situated 40km north of Bordeaux along the Gironde Estuary, on the Right Bank facing the Grand Cru Classés of the Médoc. Since 1991, oenologist Jacques Chardat and his wife Sabrina have transformed the property, expanding the vineyards to over 60 hectares (55 red, 5 white). The estate sits on a renowned limestone plateau — a single vein running north along the Gironde — with a surface layer of gray clay, limestone pebbles, and marine fossils (including sea urchins), a terroir ideal for Merlot and Cabernet. Jacques and Sabrina are committed to sustainable viticulture: the château holds ISO 14001 and HVE level 3 certifications and has completed its conversion to organic farming under EcoCert. Winemaking is traditional — thermoregulated stainless steel for freshness, then aging in concrete and French oak barrels. The estate produces several cuvées including the flagship Trois Moulins (red and white), the prestige Parcelle Privée (60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet, 10% Malbec, 12 months new oak), the Vieilles Vignes (old vines, 10 months French oak), and the Héritage. The Trois Moulins has earned 90 points from Decanter and 88 points from Wine Enthusiast; the Parcelle Privée has reached 94/100.
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www.lacaussade-saintmartin.comシャトー・ル・ムノダ
Château Le Menaudat
Château Le Menaudat is a 16-hectare estate located in Saint-Androny, just 4 km from the historic town of Blaye on the right bank of the Gironde estuary, directly across from the Médoc. The vineyard's clay-silt and clay-limestone soils, planted with an average vine age of 30 years, yield around 105,000 bottles per year. The estate is part of Vignobles de Terroirs, the prestige estate portfolio of the Groupe Taillan, a wine group active since 1961 with over 21 châteaux across Bordeaux. Cépage composition is 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. The wines are known for their deep purple color, aromas of blackcurrant and liquorice, ripe tannins, and elegant structure. The flagship cuvée received 1 star from the Guide Hachette des Vins (2020 vintage), while the Élevé en fût de chêne cuvée has earned 3 stars from the same guide — the top rating awarded.
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www.vignoblesdeterroirs.com/en/chateau-le-menaudat/シャトー・レ・グラン・マレショー
Château Les Grands Maréchaux
Château Les Grands Maréchaux is a distinguished 19-hectare estate in the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, purchased in 1997 by Etienne Barre and Christophe Reboul Salze — the latter also renowned as a Bordeaux négociant through The Wine Merchant. The vineyard is planted to approximately 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon on clay, limestone, and sandy soils overlooking the Gironde Estuary. Winemaking is overseen by consulting oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt, celebrated for his work across the Right Bank. Fruit undergoes whole-berry fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with a 30-day maceration, followed by malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels. The resulting wines are plush and fruit-driven — aromas of dark plum, violets, and blackberry compote with supple tannins and a refined finish — scoring between 88 and 93 points across Wine Enthusiast, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, and James Suckling at prices around $15–16 a bottle.
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chateaugigault.com/en/c/chateau-les-grands-marechaux/シャトー・レ・ジョンケール
Château Les Jonqueyres
Located in Saint-Paul de Blaye, Château Les Jonqueyres is a pioneering estate in the Blaye region, renowned for its commitment to organic viticulture and natural winemaking. Since the late 1970s, the estate gained a reputation for producing wines that challenge more famous Bordeaux appellations. The vineyards, primarily planted with Merlot on deep clay soils, are managed with meticulous care, focusing on low yields and pure fruit expression. The wines are characterized by their structure, velvety tannins, and ability to age gracefully, offering a classic, savory profile that pairs exceptionally well with fine cuisine.
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www.chateaulesjonqueyres.comシャトー・ペイボノム・レ・トゥール
Château Peybonhomme-Les-Tours
Château Peybonhomme-Les-Tours is a historic family estate established in 1895 in the village of Cars, near Blaye, on the right bank of the Gironde estuary. Now run by Rachel Hubert — the sixth generation — and her team, it is the largest certified biodynamic producer in Bordeaux, with 64 hectares spread across the communes of Cars, Blaye, Plassac, and Berson. After a dramatic storm in December 1999 prompted Jean-Luc and Catherine Hubert to rethink their farming, the estate converted to biodynamics and achieved Demeter certification in 2001. The vineyards occupy south- and south-west-facing slopes on clay-limestone soils, with a sweeping view over the Gironde. Red wines are built around Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and old-vine Malbec; white wines blend Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Colombard. In the cellar, indigenous yeasts, concrete vats, and terracotta amphorae (introduced in 2014) take precedence over new oak, and total sulphur is kept below 40 mg/l. The estate also operates a second property, Château La Grolet, in the Côtes de Bourg appellation.
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hubert-vigneron.comシャトー・ペレンヌ
Château Pérenne
Château Pérenne is a historic estate in the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation with roots dating to the 18th century, when the property was inhabited by monks from the Saint-Romain de Blaye Abbey. The château itself was built in 1870. Bernard Magrez purchased the estate in 1997 and brought in celebrated consultant Michel Rolland to elevate winemaking standards, before selling to Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, in 2016. The 57-hectare vineyard is planted primarily to Merlot (85%) on clay-limestone soils, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon (13%), Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The estate produces around 20,000 cases per year of its flagship red wine, along with the prestige cuvée La Croix de Pérenne Cuvée d'Exception, made from 100% old-vine Merlot in very limited quantities. The wines are characterized by ripe berry fruit, dark chocolate, cassis and polished tannins — offering excellent value within the Bordeaux portfolio.
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chateau-perenne.comシャトー・ロラン・ラ・ガルド
Château Roland La Garde
Château Roland La Garde is a family estate with roots spanning seven generations, located in Saint-Seurin-de-Cursac within the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation in northern Bordeaux. Since 1990, Bruno Martin (7th generation) has transformed the 29-hectare property into a benchmark for sustainable winemaking, with his son Guillaume (8th generation) now joining him. The estate's clay-limestone soils are planted with 74% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Malbec. Following conversion from 2008, the château received organic certification in 2012 and achieved the prestigious Demeter biodynamic label in 2014, following Maria Thun's biodynamic calendar. The estate produces three red cuvées — Tradition, Prestige, and Grand Vin — plus a distinctive Orange Wine made from white grapes fermented for nine months in 750L amphorae with indigenous yeasts and minimal intervention.
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roland-la-garde.comシャトー・セゴンザック
Château Segonzac
Château Segonzac is a historic estate founded in 1887 by Jean Dupuy, then French Minister of Agriculture and founder of the newspaper Le Petit Parisien, in the commune of Saint-Genès-de-Blaye on the right bank of the Gironde estuary. The estate spans approximately 40 hectares of vines planted on clay-limestone soils, with 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Since 1990, the property has been owned by Swiss businessman Jacob Marmet. Certified organic since 2012, the estate combines respect for its historic terroir with sustainable viticulture. The wines are fermented in stainless steel and cement tanks, then aged 12 months in small French and American oak barrels. The flagship Vieilles Vignes cuvée, drawn from vines around 45 years old, is recognized by the Guide Hachette des Vins with two stars (remarkable wine). Château Segonzac holds the distinction of Cru Bourgeois, a testament to its exceptional terroir and consistent quality.
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www.chateau-segonzac.comシャトー・トゥール・ガエ
Château Tour Gayet
Château Tour Gayet is a historic wine estate located in Saint-Androny, Gironde, in the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. The estate's origins trace back to around 1788, when the main residential building was constructed. It remained in the David family throughout the 19th century and into the mid-20th century. The tower that gives the château its current name was built between the late 19th and early 20th century, and the estate first appeared under the name 'Château la Tour-Gayet' in the 1922 edition of 'Bordeaux et ses Vins' — previously it was listed simply as 'Gayet'. Since 1899, the domain expanded by acquiring the neighboring Dufresne vineyard, itself ranked as a premier cru bourgeois. Today, the estate produces classic Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux red wines from a blend of five Bordeaux varieties — Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot — and is associated with the Maison Johannès Boubée. The wines are powerful yet balanced, with excellent structure and vibrant red and black fruit aromas.
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www.bordeaux.comシャトー・デュ・グラン・バライユ
Château du Grand Barrail
Château du Grand Barrail is a 16-hectare estate situated on calcareous clay hillsides in Plassac, overlooking the Gironde estuary in Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux. Originally purchased by Denis Lafon in 1967 as the founding estate of Vignobles Denis Lafon, it became fully certified organic (AB) in 2020 and produces both certified organic and kosher (Mevushal) wines. In 2025, the estate was acquired by Paul Guillet — who also owns Château Mazerolles — continuing the organic farming commitment with support from the regional fund VitiREV Terradev. The red wines feature a classic Bordeaux blend led by Merlot (65%), complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Malbec (5%), while white wines balance Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc equally. Multiple cuvées including La Révélation, Cuvée Prestige, and Cuvée Tradition each express the distinctive terroir of the Blaye hillsides.
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www.denislafon.comシャトー・レスカドゥル
Château l'Escadre
Château l'Escadre is a historic family estate in the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, owned by the Carreau family since 1832 — now in its 7th generation. The estate spans 60 hectares of clay-limestone vineyards on hillsides overlooking the Gironde Estuary. Its name pays homage to the original owner: an Admiral of the French Navy, with 'escadre' meaning a naval fleet in French. Winemaker Sébastien Carreau and estate manager Nicolas Carreau uphold a philosophy that blends traditional viticulture with modern precision. Their wines — led by Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec — are celebrated for ripe black fruit, structured yet approachable tannins, and honest expression of Right Bank Bordeaux terroir. The flagship Grande Réserve (70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, aged 12 months in oak) has earned recognition from Jancis Robinson, Wine Enthusiast, and Forbes.
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carreau.wine/en/our-chateaux/chateau-lescadre/
Food Pairings
Red meats (beef stew, duck breast, lamb), poultry, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, moderately aged cheeses. The white wines pair beautifully with seafood, shellfish, and light salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux?
- Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux is an AOC wine appellation on the right bank of the Gironde Estuary in Bordeaux, France. It spans 6,500 hectares across 41 communes and is known for affordable, fruit-forward Merlot-based red wines.
- What grapes are used in Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux?
- Red wines are primarily made from Merlot, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. White wines use Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle.
- How do the red wines taste?
- The reds are smooth, fruity, and approachable, with aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, raspberry, and plum, supported by moderate tannins and a soft finish. They are enjoyable both young and with a few years of aging.
- How long can these wines age?
- White wines are best enjoyed within 2–3 years. Red wines are typically at their best within 5 years, though wines from the southern part of the appellation can age longer.
- When did the appellation get its current name?
- In 2009, the appellation was renamed from 'Premières Côtes de Blaye' to 'Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux' to better reflect its Bordeaux identity and showcase the quality of its wines.