What styles of wine does Côtes de Duras produce?

About 60% is red wine, 36% dry white, plus small amounts of sweet white and sparkling wine — a full range under one appellation.

How do Côtes de Duras wines compare to Bordeaux?

Made from the same grape varieties on similar clay-limestone soils, they offer a comparable style with a touch more ripeness, usually at notably lower prices.

Appellation

Côtes de Duras

コート・ド・デュラス

'Haut-Bordeaux' — Bordeaux-style wines at friendly prices

Côtes de Duras is an AOC in South West France, some 70 km east of Bordeaux in the north-west corner of the Lot-et-Garonne department, recognized since 1937 — one of France's earliest appellations. Sitting just upstream of the Bordeaux vineyards along the Dordogne watershed, it is sometimes nicknamed 'Haut-Bordeaux'. The moderate Atlantic influence brings mildness and humidity, while more continental traits promote slow, even ripening, giving the wines freshness and aromatic balance. Clay-limestone soils dominate the upper slopes, with sandy 'boulbènes' on lower ground, yielding both fine, fresh styles and deeper, more structured wines. The grape varieties largely mirror Bordeaux: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec for reds (about 60% of production), Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle for dry and sweet whites. The region offers Bordeaux-like quality at accessible prices.

Best for: Fans of Bordeaux-style reds and crisp Sauvignon whites seeking everyday value

No sub-regions registered yet.

Producers

シャトー・ラ・グラーヴ・ベシャード
Château La Grave Béchade
Located in Baleyssagues, near the border of the Gironde and Dordogne, Château La Grave Béchade is a historic estate founded in 1860. While often associated with the broader Bordeaux region due to its proximity, it is officially situated within the Côtes de Duras appellation. The estate spans approximately 7.89 hectares of clay-limestone soil, benefiting from an oceanic climate. It produces red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and the disease-resistant Vidoc grape, as well as white wines from Sauvignon Gris. Beyond winemaking, the château is a renowned venue for weddings and events, offering a blend of traditional French heritage and modern hospitality.
Explore →
www.lagravebechade.fr

Food Pairings

Reds pair with duck confit, grilled lamb, and hard cheeses; crisp Sauvignon-based whites shine with goat cheese, oysters, and river fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Côtes de Duras located?: Côtes de Duras lies in South West France, about 70 km east of Bordeaux, in the north-west corner of the Lot-et-Garonne department, adjacent to the Bergerac vineyards.
What grape varieties are used in Côtes de Duras?: The varieties largely mirror Bordeaux: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec for reds; Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle for whites.
What styles of wine does Côtes de Duras produce?: About 60% is red wine, 36% dry white, plus small amounts of sweet white and sparkling wine — a full range under one appellation.
How do Côtes de Duras wines compare to Bordeaux?: Made from the same grape varieties on similar clay-limestone soils, they offer a comparable style with a touch more ripeness, usually at notably lower prices.

Côtes de Duras

Producers

Château La Grave Béchade

Food Pairings

Frequently Asked Questions