Côtes de Bourg

Côtes de Bourg is a small appellation situated on the right bank of the Gironde estuary in the Bordeaux region of southwest France. Located directly across the water from the better-known Médoc, this compact zone encompasses the hillsides around the town of Bourg-sur-Gironde. While modest in scale, the appellation has produced wine for centuries and was formally established as an AOC in 1941.

The terroir is characterized by clay and limestone soils on sloping terrain, which provides natural drainage beneficial for ripening. The maritime influence of the nearby estuary moderates the continental climate, creating conditions suited to red wine production. Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the primary grape varieties permitted here, often blended together, with smaller quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon also allowed. The appellation's regulations permit only still red wines, produced using traditional Bordeaux winemaking methods.

Wines from Côtes de Bourg typically display the structure and depth associated with right-bank Bordeaux, with Merlot softness balanced by Cabernet Franc's characteristic herbal and tobacco notes. The hillside locations and cooler microclimates can produce wines with good acidity and moderate alcohol levels, often showing earth and dark fruit character rather than overt ripeness. These are generally approachable wines that can be enjoyed relatively young, though better examples develop complexity with bottle age.