Located on the east bank of the Gironde, Bourg is a small appellation that produces mainly red wines that vary from rustic and light to rich and elegant, with much of the variables residing in the vineyards and in the cellar. Winemaking in this region started with Roman occupation some 2,000 years ago, and long before the Médoc on the other side of the Gironde was elevated to royalty this small appellation was known for good if unremarkable red wines. Bourg is often discussed in conjunction with its neighbor, the much larger appellation of Blaye, as both the topography of the two appellations and the wines they produce are similar.
This regions has some of the benefits of other areas of Bordeaux, with well-drained soils that consist of mainly clay, sand and alluvial soil types, as well as some protection from the cold north winds and frost that can affect the region. It is the landscape of rolling hills that offers this protection, and Bourg and Blaye can offer some of the most picturesque vineyards of Bordeaux.
The red wines have a high percentage of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, emulating other communes on this side of the Médoc. For the last few decades the wines have varied in quality and consistentcy, but modern winemaking techniques of low yields, later harvests and cool fermentations have produced dramtic results. In the future this region will be one of the few in which good to great wines will be found at good to great prices. Some white wine is produced, mainly from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
Visit Bordeaux for an in depth look at the history of Bordeaux.
France → Bordeaux → Right Bank
French AOC
| Château Tayac Côtes de Bourg 2000 | Bourg | Red |