bordeaux

 The Bordeaux region is truly huge, about 3 times the size of Burgundy and has a climate dominated by the influence of the Atlantic. It is situated on the west coast of France and runs from Poitou-Charente down into Aquitaine. This is perhaps the area of France for fine wines and has myriads of producers on mainly small plots across the region.

However, within the region itself the climate varies enormously and can vary even from one Domaine to the next. There are varying soil conditions with both gravel (prime conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon and its blackcurranty tastes) and clay (ideal for the plummy Merlots.)

The Graves area is fairly unique in that it produces both reds and whites of quality, both of which can be laid down for future years. The main rivers are the Gironde (a huge estuary that borders the Medoc, Côtes de Blaye and Côtes de Bourg areas), the Garonne and the Dordogne. The Entre Deux Mers appellation sits neatly between the last two.

The main white grape varieties (in addition to the reds of Cabernet Sauvignan and the Merlot mentioned above) are Sauvignan Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle and the sweet Sauternes. In 2005, there were about 3000 hectares of organic/biodynamic wine in production - with 300'ish producers.

Our partners in this area are:

Chateau Ferran in the Entre Deux Mers region