Côtes de Bourg
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The 'Little Switzerland of Bordeaux' offering rich, structured Merlot-led reds with outstanding aging potential.
Côtes de Bourg is a historic AOC wine appellation located on the right bank of the Gironde Estuary in Bordeaux, centered around the town of Bourg-sur-Gironde, 20 km north-west of Bordeaux. Often referred to as the 'Little Switzerland of Bordeaux' due to its hilly, picturesque landscape, the region benefits from a unique microclimate with 10% additional sunlight and moderated temperatures compared to Bordeaux proper, thanks to the regulating effect of the Gironde estuary. The predominantly clay-limestone soils support Merlot as the dominant variety, comprising around 70% of plantings, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and notably Malbec—which holds the highest proportion of any Bordeaux appellation at around 10%. The appellation gained PDO status for reds in 1936 and whites in 1941, and today around 200 châteaux produce wines known for their richness, structure, and excellent aging potential, offering outstanding value within the Bordeaux universe.
Best for: Wine lovers seeking high-quality, value-driven Bordeaux reds with excellent aging potential and distinctive terroir character.
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Producers
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Château Brûlesécaille
Château Brûlesécaille is a historic family estate in Tauriac, at the heart of the Côtes de Bourg appellation in Bordeaux. Founded in 1924 when the Récapet family purchased the property, the estate has been classified as a Cru Bourgeois since 1868. Today it is managed by Guillaume Rodet, the fourth generation of the family, who preserves traditional winemaking while embracing sustainable practices. The 26-hectare vineyard sits on an elevated croupe of gravelly clay-limestone overlooking the Dordogne river — one of the most privileged terroirs in the appellation — with vines averaging 35 years of age, including some over 80 years old that survived the catastrophic freeze of February 1956. Certified HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) since 2016, the estate produces a diverse range: classic reds (55–59% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec), barrel-fermented whites from Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, a no-added-sulfite cuvée, and the innovative TAURIACUS — aged 12 months in terracotta amphorae and scored 90/100 by La Revue du Vin de France.
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www.brulesecaille.comシャトー・ビュジャン
Château Bujan
Château Bujan is a historic estate perched on the south-facing slopes of Gauriac, at the heart of the Côtes de Bourg appellation. Originally classified as a Cru Bourgeois in the late 19th century, the property was revived by Marielle and Pascal Méli in 1987 before passing in 2021 to childhood friends Laurent Jonquière and Benoît Poletto, who continue the estate's philosophy of balance, finesse, and precision. The 17-hectare vineyard rests on complex soils of Fronsadais molasse and calcareous gravel, where Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc yield harmonious, deeply flavored red wines, while Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris produce a vibrant, aromatic white. The estate is certified HVE3 (Haute Valeur Environnementale), reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture.
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www.chateaubujan.frシャトー・シヴラック
Château Civrac
Château Civrac is a family-owned hilltop estate in the Côtes de Bourg appellation on the Bordeaux Right Bank, located in Lansac. The 18th-century château was revitalized in 2019 by Cornish owner Alex Gibson and his partner Grace, who rescued the property from successive bankruptcies and years of neglect. Spanning 8 hectares on a scenic hilltop near Bourg-sur-Gironde, the estate is committed to low-intervention viticulture: no synthetic fertilizers, no herbicides, no-till agriculture, and regenerative grazing. The wine range includes a Merlot-dominant flagship blend, a Cuvée la Seigneurie, a single-vineyard Malbec from 65-year-old vines aged in clay amphorae without commercial yeast, and Ériu — a crisp Crémant de Bordeaux Blanc de Noirs made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The estate won a JWWA Sakura Awards Gold medal in 2023, the sole French Malbec recipient that year.
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civrac.comシャトー・コンドン・カゾー
Château Condom Cazeaux
Château Condom Cazeaux is a small family estate nestled in the Côtes de Bourg appellation on the right bank of the Gironde Estuary in Bordeaux. The vineyards are planted predominantly with Merlot on the characteristic clay-limestone hillside soils of the appellation, yielding wines that are expressive, fruit-forward, and true to the terroir of this historic riverside enclave. The Côtes de Bourg is one of Bordeaux's oldest wine regions, prized since antiquity for the quality of its grapes, and Château Condom Cazeaux continues that tradition as a craft producer focused on honest, character-driven Bordeaux.
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www.bordeaux.comシャトー・ファルファス
Château Falfas
Château Falfas is a historic Bordeaux estate whose foundations date back to the Hundred Years' War and whose current Louis XIII-style château was rebuilt in 1612, making it one of the four great crus of the Côtes de Bourg. In December 1988, American lawyer John Cochran III and his wife Véronique — daughter of François Bouchet, France's pioneering biodynamic viticultural consultant — purchased the estate and immediately converted to biodynamic farming. Certified Demeter since 1989, Château Falfas was among the very first Bordeaux properties to embrace this philosophy. The 20 hectares of vineyards rest on a rare calcaire à astéries (fossilized-oyster limestone) soil with clay and silica over deep limestone bedrock, a terroir considered among the finest in the Bourg region. The estate produces three cuvées: the approachable estate wine blending Merlot (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Cabernet Franc and Malbec; Les Demoiselles de Falfas; and the prestige Le Chevalier, sourced from 75-year-old vines with yields as low as 18 hl/ha and aged 22 months in new French oak. Annual production across all three cuvées reaches 80,000–90,000 bottles. Since John's passing, Véronique Cochran continues to steward the estate alone, maintaining its commitment to biodynamics and precise terroir expression.
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www.chateaufalfas.comシャトー・フガス
Château Fougas
Château Fougas is a historic estate in the Côtes de Bourg appellation, situated on a plateau overlooking the right bank of the Gironde, some 30 km from Bordeaux in a picturesque region known as the 'Petit Suisse Girondine'. The château itself, a beautiful stone building in the Gironde style, was constructed in 1778 and was already referenced as a 'Grand Cru Bourgeois' in the first edition of Feret's publication. The modern era began in 1976 when Jean-Yves and Michèle Béchet — already established Bordeaux négociants — acquired the property and embarked on a journey toward authentic, terroir-driven winemaking. The 21.25-hectare vineyard is planted to 64% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc on soils of sand, gravel, and clay rich in iron deposits. Conversion to organic farming began in 2007, followed by biodynamic methods in 2010 — including the use of lunar cycles and infinitesimal natural treatments — with full certification achieved in 2013. Vinification takes place in tank, with malolactic fermentation and ageing of up to 18 months in French oak barrels (average 33% new). The estate's flagship cuvée, 'Maldoror' (named after the poem 'Les Chants de Maldoror' by Lautréamont), and its prestige label 'Forces de Vie' consistently earn scores of 91–93 from James Suckling and La RVF, celebrated for their mineral purity, violet florality, and refined, elegant structure over sheer power.
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www.fougas.comシャトー・ゲリー
Château Guerry
Château Guerry is a 19-hectare estate in Tauriac, Côtes de Bourg, acquired in 2004 by Bernard Magrez — the renowned négociant known for owning over 40 châteaux worldwide. The vineyard sits on hillside terroir recognized for viticulture since the 12th century, historically dubbed 'la première filleule de Bordeaux' (the first godchild of Bordeaux). Clay-limestone soils give the wines structure and freshness. What sets Château Guerry apart from typical Bordeaux is its atypical blend: 55% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. The 20% Malbec is rare in the Bordeaux right bank and adds a vivid blackberry character, spice, and juiciness that makes the wine more approachable than many Bordeaux at a similar price point. Wines are aged 9 months in French oak barrels, balancing fruit expression with gentle structure.
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www.chateau-guerry.comシャトー・オー・マコ
Château Haut-Macô
Located in Tauriac within the Côtes de Bourg appellation, Château Haut-Macô has been managed by the Mallet family for over four generations. Spanning approximately 50 hectares, the estate is a flagship of the region, known for its commitment to quality and traditional winemaking. The vineyards, primarily composed of clay-limestone soils, are planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The estate produces elegant, balanced red wines, including the prestigious 'Cuvée Jean Bernard', which is aged in new oak barrels. The winery is HVE (High Environmental Value) certified, reflecting its dedication to sustainable viticulture.
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www.hautmaco.comシャトー・ラ・クロワ・ダヴィッド
Château La Croix Davids
Château La Croix Davids is a historic family estate located on one of the highest plateaus of Lansac, in the heart of the Côtes de Bourg appellation. The property has been owned by the same family since 1800 and today is managed by Annie Birot-Meneuvrier and her husband Didier Meneuvrier. The estate encompasses 40 hectares of vines with an average age of 50 years, planted on clay-limestone soils that benefit from the microclimate of the Gironde Estuary. The property itself is steeped in history, as it was once a Lazarist monastery from the late Gallo-Roman period and served as an essential stop on the pilgrimage road to Santiago de Compostela. The estate practices traditional viticulture — ploughing instead of chemical herbicides — and produces wines through long maceration vinification. Their range includes the Tradition, Prestige, Burgus, and La Mission des Davids cuvées, all built predominantly on Merlot blended with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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www.chateau-la-croix-davids.comシャトー・ラモット（コート・ド・ブール）
Château Lamothe de Haux (Bourg)
Château Lamothe is a historic estate located in Lansac in the Côtes de Bourg appellation, on the right bank of the Gironde estuary. Founded in the 18th century, it was already cited among the 'crus bourgeois' of Côtes de Bourg in the seminal 1868 reference work 'Bordeaux et ses Vins.' The estate was acquired in 1900 by François Pessonnier, a local winegrower, and has remained in the family for over a century. In the mid-19th century, former owner Pierre Charpentier, a Bordeaux wine merchant, gave the château's wines international prominence by exporting them to the United States. Today the property is run by Anne Pousse-Pessonnier, great-granddaughter of the original Pessonnier who acquired it, who took over management in 1991. The 22-hectare vineyard is planted on clay-limestone and gravelly argillaceous soils characteristic of Lansac, producing red wines from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec (Côt) and Cabernet Franc. The estate produces several cuvées including the classic range, the Réserve Joubert, and the Grande Réserve, which has been recognised with stars in the Guide Hachette des Vins. Not to be confused with Château Lamothe de Haux in the Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, which is an entirely separate estate.
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www.chateaulamothe.comシャトー・マセ
Château Macay
Founded in 1740 by the Gagnerot family in the village of Samonac, Château Macay takes its name from a Scottish officer, Mac Kay, who once lent his name to the estate. Spanning 42 hectares of clay-gravel soils on the right bank of the Gironde Estuary, the property was revitalized in 2012 when Frédérique and Hervé Descourvières — assisted by their three sons — became the proud new owners. The Descourvières family brought fresh energy and significant investment, including a new cellar, to dramatically elevate wine quality. Château Macay produces structured, elegant red wines built on a Merlot-dominant blend (65% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec) that showcases the warm, sun-drenched character of the Côtes de Bourg appellation. The estate also produces a small quantity of white wine. Their wines have been recognized in the Guide Hachette des Vins and have earned medals at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris.
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www.macay.frシャトー・メルシエ
Château Mercier
Château Mercier is a historic family estate located in Saint-Trojan, in the northwest of the Côtes de Bourg appellation on Bordeaux's right bank. The Chéty family has cultivated vines at this property since 1698, now representing the 13th generation of winemakers. Philippe and Martine Chéty, joined by their son Christophe in 1999 and daughter Isabelle in 2012, manage 23 hectares of vineyards on south and west-facing slopes. Recognized in the authoritative Féret Bordeaux encyclopedia, the estate holds ISO14001 certification (since 2011), TERRA VITIS and HVE 3 certification (since 2016), and began organic conversion in 2019. Their range spans from the classic Cuvée Tradition and award-winning Cuvée Prestige to innovative cuvées including Atmosphère (no added sulfites), Amphorae (aged in hand-turned 140-liter clay amphorae), and the rare white Graines Blanches from Sauvignon, Sémillon, and Muscadelle.
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www.chateau-mercier.frシャトー・ミル・スクース
Château Mille-Secousses
Château Mille-Secousses is one of Côtes de Bourg's most historically resonant estates, originally built in 1636 for Jean de Ridder, a Dutch wine merchant. Its evocative name — meaning 'a thousand shakes' — traces back to a visit by the young Louis XIV, whose entourage endured the notoriously rough roads leading to the château and quipped they had been 'shaken a thousand times.' Owned by the Darricarrère family since the mid-20th century, the estate sits on 42 hectares of vineyards overlooking the Gironde estuary, benefiting from a temperate estuarine microclimate. The vineyards are planted predominantly with Merlot (70%), complemented by Cabernet-Sauvignon (25%) and Cabernet Franc (5%), and the wines are aged for 18 months in vats and seasoned barrels before bottling at the château.
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www.darricarrere.comシャトー・ノド
Château Nodoz
Château Nodoz is a historic estate in the Côtes de Bourg appellation, located in Tauriac, Gironde, with roots dating back before the French Revolution. Originally known as 'Cru de Nodoz,' the estate was reconstituted by M. Bordes, a renowned Bordeaux merchant shipowner who established its reputation. The Magdelaine family took over in 1930, and since 2002, Sandrine and Jean-François Magdeleine-Cenac — former lawyers who made a passionate career change to winemaking — have managed this 38-hectare family estate. The vineyards span three communes (Tauriac, Lansac, and Bourg-sur-Gironde) on clay-limestone and gravelly slopes with East/Southeast and Southwest exposure. Certified HVE3 (High Environmental Value Level 3), the estate produces expressive, generous wines from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, including the signature Cuvée Tradition, the complex Barriques Neuves, and the distinguished Vieilles Vignes.
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www.chateau-nodoz.comシャトー・ペイショー
Château Peychaud
Located in the heart of the Côtes de Bourg appellation, Château Peychaud is a historic family estate with over 400 years of heritage. The property features a 17th-century manor and 30 hectares of vineyards managed by the de Pontac family. The terroir, characterized by clay-limestone and gravel soils, produces wines that are predominantly Merlot-based, known for their roundness, soft tannins, and expressive fruity profiles. The estate emphasizes traditional winemaking combined with modern precision, offering a range of authentic, accessible, and high-quality Bordeaux wines that reflect the unique maritime influence of the region.
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www.chateau-peychaud.comシャトー・ロック・ド・カンブ
Château Roc de Cambes
Château Roc de Cambes is a prestigious estate in the Côtes de Bourg appellation of Bordeaux, owned by legendary winemaker François Mitjavile — also the visionary behind Château Tertre Roteboeuf in Saint-Émilion. Purchased by Mitjavile in 1988, the estate sits on a natural amphitheatre of cold limestone and rich clay soils overlooking the Gironde estuary, on a slope known locally as 'Les Croûtes' — the most prized terroir in the appellation. With roughly 10–12 hectares planted primarily to old-vine Merlot (approx. 80%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (approx. 20%), yields are kept remarkably low to achieve intense concentration. Grapes are hand-harvested at maximum ripeness following Mitjavile's philosophy of late picking, and the wine is fermented in concrete before aging 15–18 months in French oak barrels (around 50% new). Only about 3,900 cases are produced annually, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after wines in Bordeaux. Critics frequently describe Roc de Cambes as transcending its appellation, with a soul closer to the great Right Bank estates of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion than to the typical Côtes de Bourg profile.
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www.bordeaux.comシャトー・ソーマン
Château Sauman
Located in Villeneuve on the right bank of the Gironde Estuary, Château Sauman is a family-owned estate spanning 25 hectares. For several generations, the Braud family has cultivated vineyards on clay-limestone slopes, benefiting from a unique microclimate that protects the vines from spring frosts. The estate primarily focuses on Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Their winemaking process is traditional, utilizing temperature-controlled concrete tanks to produce wines known for their roundness, fruit-forward character, and silky tannins. The estate also produces an alcohol-free red wine called 'O'Dacieux'.
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www.chateau-sauman.comシャトー・タイヤック（コート・ド・ブール）
Château Tayac (Côtes de Bourg)
Château Tayac (Côtes de Bourg) is a historic family estate located in the heart of the Côtes de Bourg appellation, overlooking the Gironde estuary near Bourg-sur-Gironde. The property traces its origins to the Gallo-Roman era, was occupied by the Black Prince in the 14th century, and was rebuilt in 1823 by a Bordeaux ship owner inspired by Victor Louis's Grand Théâtre. In 1959, Pierre Saturny purchased the estate and transformed it into one of the appellation's reference producers; today his sons Philippe and Loïc manage the 30-hectare vineyard. The clay-limestone soils at 54 meters elevation, protected by the proximity of the Gironde from spring frosts, yield structured, age-worthy red wines based on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a fresh white Cuvée Océane from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. Vineyards are ploughed, grapes are hand-harvested and sorted on the vine. Not to be confused with Château Tayac in the Margaux appellation.
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www.chateau-tayac.frシャトー・トロンコワ・ラランド（ブール）
Château Tronquoy-Lalande (Bourg)
A small, family-owned estate located in the Côtes de Bourg appellation on the Right Bank of the Gironde estuary, not to be confused with the more famous Château Tronquoy-Lalande (now Château Tronquoy) in Saint-Estèphe. This Bourg producer crafts classic Right Bank Bordeaux on the clay-limestone hillsides around Bourg-sur-Gironde, producing Merlot-dominant reds typical of the appellation. The estate represents the authentic, artisan character of Côtes de Bourg — an appellation home to over 170 independent winegrowers whose family-scale properties average around 10 hectares.
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Food Pairings
Grilled red meats, roasted lamb, hearty beef stews, duck confit, and aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Cantal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary grape variety in Côtes de Bourg?
- Merlot is the dominant grape variety, making up around 70% of plantings. It is typically blended with Cabernet Sauvignon (around 20%), Malbec (around 10%), and Cabernet Franc. Uniquely, Côtes de Bourg holds the highest proportion of Malbec of any Bordeaux appellation, and some châteaux even produce 100% Malbec cuvées.
- Why is Côtes de Bourg called the 'Little Switzerland of Bordeaux'?
- The nickname comes from the appellation's hilly, undulating terrain, which contrasts sharply with the flatter landscapes typical of many other Bordeaux regions. These rolling hills create a picturesque landscape reminiscent of Alpine scenery.
- How old is wine production in Côtes de Bourg?
- Wine production in the area dates back to Roman times, with historians tracing the first vineyards to the 2nd century AD when Roman settlers planted the 'Vitis Biturica' grape. During the Middle Ages, Bourg was a major wine trading port, and the region received its AOC status for red wines in 1936.
- What are the aging characteristics of Côtes de Bourg wines?
- Quality Côtes de Bourg reds have excellent aging potential. Young wines show vibrant red and black fruit with spice, while with age they develop complex tertiary aromas of black truffle, leather, tobacco, and chocolate. The best wines from top vintages can age for 10–15 years or more.
- How does the climate of Côtes de Bourg differ from the rest of Bordeaux?
- Côtes de Bourg benefits from a favorable microclimate moderated by the Gironde Estuary. Research has shown that the appellation receives about 10% more sunlight, experiences temperatures that are 1–2°C less extreme, and enjoys 10–25% lower rainfall compared to Bordeaux city, depending on the vintage.