Sommelier extraordinaire and Côtes de Bordeaux enthusiast Yannick Benjamin
Ah, Bordeaux. So famous yet still so misunderstood. Bordeaux may be best known for legendary wines with jaw-dropping prices but that isn't a complete picture of this iconic region in southwest France. A mosaic composed of almost 111,000 hectares, Bordeaux is France's largest AOC vineyard and home to 65 different appellations that produce wines in a variety of styles and prices. And one of the most buzzed about and intriguing appellations is Côtes de Bordeaux. Officially born in 2009, the Côtes de Bordeaux AOC may be the new kid on the Bordeaux block but vines have been planted there since the 2nd century. Côtes de Bordeaux consists of 5 clearly identified regions: Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon, Francs, and Sainte-Foy.
Summertime really ignites my interest in trying new wines and I recently had the pleasure of tasting several Côtes de Bordeaux wines with sommelier Yannick Benjamin. Passionate and very knowledgable about the region, Yannick describes Côtes de Bordeaux wines as "Extremely terroir driven. They have a true sense of place." He also praises the "hands on approach" of the winemakers. For Yannick, Côtes de Bordeaux's authentically crafted wines at accessible price points make them ideal "gateway wines" for exploring Bordeaux.
From fresh & crisp whites to fruity & earthy reds, you can sip Côtes de Bordeaux from the start to the end of a meal. True to their Bordeaux heritage, blending is a signature of the Côtes wines. Reds are mainly crafted from Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Sauvignon is the major grape variety for the white wines, blended with Sémillon and Muscadelle. Representing each of the Côtes de Bordeaux regions, I tasted five wines with Yannick. Authentic, affordable, and crafted with finesse, Côtes wines make your Bordeaux dreams a budget-friendly reality!
Château Peybonhomme-Les-Tours, Le Blanc Bonhomme 2016
AOC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux ($20)
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (50%) and Semillon (50%), this refreshing and elegant white wine is from Blaye's largest certified biodynamic estate and is produced by fifth-generation brother & sister winemakers Guillaume and Rachel Hubert. Fresh and full with gorgeous flavors of honey, tropical fruit, zippy acidity, and clean minerality, this is a lovely introduction to Côtes!
Château Suau 2015
AOC Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux 2015 ($25)
With vineyards located on the highest point of Cadillac, at an altitude of 330 feet, Château Suau began converting to organic farming in 2008. Since 2014, all vintages have been produced under the direction of famed winemaker & consultant Michel Rolland. Few red grapes can match Merlot's plush juiciness and this luscious red bolsters that softness with structure from a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon, so that the wine has finesse and not flab. Rich black fruit flavors are revved up with hints of licorice and finely knit tannins.
Château Pitray Cabernet Franc 2015
AOC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux ($18)
In a land of blends, this 100% Cabernet Franc stands out. Sexy and supple, there's nothing shy about this ripe and luscious red. Juicy, fruit-driven, with an engaging earthiness, this Cab Franc is the epitome of easygoing elegance. Established in the 14th century, Château Pitray is a 247-acre estate owned by the Simrad de Pitray family -- one of Bordeaux's oldest vineyard owning families.
Château Les Charmes-Godard 2015
AOC Francs Côtes de Bordeaux ($18)
A blend of Semillon (50%), Sauvignon Gris (25%), and Sauvignon Blanc (25%); this is no boring white wine. Full-bodied and crisp with layers of flavor; from lemon and honeysuckle, to white peach and verbena. The 16-acre Les Charmes-Godard property was purchased by Nicolas Thienpont and his brothers in 1988.
Château Couronneau 2015
AOC Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux ($19)
Purchased by Christophe and Bénédicte Piat in 1994, they converted the vineyards of the 98-acre Château Couronneau estate to organic farming in 1999 and to biodynamic in 2012. A blend of Merlot (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), this red displays a gorgeous balance between ripe & dark fruit and savory vanilla and earthy flavors. Firm but fleshy.
These five wines are just a small example of the diversity, quality, and affordability of Côtes de Bordeaux wines. Visit their website to learn more. Cheers!
