While the famous names of the region often steal the spotlight, the various "Côtes" (or hillsides) are where you’ll find the real heart of the Bordeaux countryside. This collection brings together several hilly areas - Blaye, Castillon, Francs, Cadillac, and Bourg. Because these vineyards sit on elevated slopes rather than flat plains, the grapes get plenty of sunshine and natural drainage, resulting in a style of red wine that is bright, juicy, and incredibly easy to enjoy.
The landscape changes as you travel across these different hills. In Castillon, the stony, high-ground soils produce wines with a bit more structure and depth—very similar to its famous neighbour, Saint-Émilion. If you head toward the water to the regions of Bourg and Blaye, the cooling breezes from the estuary keep the wines feeling fresh and zesty. Despite these slight differences in scenery, the common thread is the Merlot grape. It thrives on these slopes, delivering soft plum flavours and a smooth finish that makes these wines perfect for drinking right away.
These hillside regions are all about character and history without the pretension. Whether it’s a legendary "cult" wine from the cliffs of Bourg or a vibrant, modern red from the banks of the river, this collection is a showcase of straightforward, honest wines. They are built for the dinner table and designed for anyone who appreciates a well-made red that truly tastes of the land it came from.