AOC Côtes de Bordeaux

The Côtes de Bordeaux Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) is a fairly large geographical area encompassing five appellations: Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, Francs Côtes de Bordeaux, and Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux. The Côtes de Bordeaux AOC thus extends along the right bank of the Garonne River and the Dordogne River. The terroir is relatively diverse while maintaining common characteristics that allow for the production of wines that are both interesting and popular. The specifications of the Côtes de Bordeaux AOC authorize the main traditional Bordeaux grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The merging of the different appellations under a single designation in 2009 demonstrates the unity of the winemakers in promoting a shared terroir.