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Côtes & Entre-deux-Mers

Bordeaux

The rolling hillsides and river valleys that make up the broader Bordeaux landscape. From the limestone slopes of Castillon to the clay hills of Blaye, these appellations offer excellent value and a wide range of styles. Entre-deux-Mers, nestled between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, is known for fresh, aromatic whites.

The wines of Côtes & Entre-deux-Mers are made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and other Bordeaux varieties.

Vineyard Map

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Nearby Appellations

To the east Right Bank

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Terroir & Classification

Soils

ClayLimestoneGravel

The Entre-deux-Mers sits on Oligocene limestone bedrock with fossil-rich molasse formations, overlain by clay-limestone slopes and gravel terraces deposited by ancient river systems. The limestone substrata provides excellent drainage while allowing vine roots to penetrate deep into fissured bedrock, with the water table typically 8-12 meters below surface level.

Classification

No formal classification: The Côtes appellations and Entre-deux-Mers have no formal classification system. Quality is established by individual producers and appellation reputation.

Elevation

20-100m, predominantly south and southeast-facing gentle slopes

Microclimate

The plateau between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers creates a slightly cooler, more continental climate with good diurnal temperature variation. Morning mists from the river valleys provide natural humidity regulation while afternoon breezes aid in disease prevention.

Typical Aromas

fresh citruswhite flowersmineral chalkgreen appleherbaceous noteshoney

Grapes of Bordeaux

Cabernet Sauvignon

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
blackcurrantgreen bell peppermintcedar

Thick-skinned, naturally tannic grape. Blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux; made as single varietal in New World regions.

Merlot

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
plumblackberrystrawberryherbs

Dominant variety

Sauvignon Blanc

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
grassasparagusgooseberrypassion fruit

Highly aromatic and assertively herbaceous. Almost always made unoaked and drunk young. Blended with Sémillon in Bordeaux; single varietal in Marlborough and Loire.

Sémillon

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
applelemongrasswax

Thin-skinned grape highly susceptible to botrytis. Dry styles can be made unoaked (Hunter Valley) or oaked; blended with Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux for both dry wines and Sauternes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Côtes & Entre-deux-Mers known for?▼
Côtes & Entre-deux-Mers is known for offering excellent value wines across a wide range of styles. The region encompasses rolling hillsides and river valleys, from the limestone slopes of Castillon to the clay hills of Blaye, with Entre-deux-Mers nestled between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.
What does Côtes & Entre-deux-Mers wine taste like?▼
The wines vary significantly depending on the specific appellation and terroir within this diverse region. Generally, they offer fresh, approachable styles that reflect their limestone, clay, and gravel soils, ranging from crisp whites to medium-bodied reds with good fruit expression.
What grapes are grown in Côtes & Entre-deux-Mers?▼
The region grows classic Bordeaux varieties including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc for reds. For whites, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle are the primary varieties used.
What makes Côtes & Entre-deux-Mers different from its neighbors?▼
This region stands out for its exceptional value proposition and stylistic diversity across multiple appellations within the broader area. The varied topography of rolling hills and river valleys creates distinct microclimates and soil compositions that produce wines with different character profiles than the more prestigious neighboring appellations.
What soil types are found in Côtes & Entre-deux-Mers?▼
The region features three main soil types: clay, limestone, and gravel. These diverse soils are distributed across the rolling landscape, with limestone particularly prominent on slopes like those in Castillon and clay dominating areas like the hills of Blaye.

Map data: INAO