Unearthing Prized Gems from the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux Region
By Fran Bridgewater, British Guild of Travel Writers
Nestled between the rolling hills and the Garonne River, the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux is a region steeped in history and winemaking tradition. Stretching 60 km in length but never more than 5 km wide, its picturesque slopes are home to 145 family-owned estates across 39 villages. Here, independent winegrowers oversee every step of the process, crafting a diverse range of wines that embody generations of dedication and expertise.
A History of Innovation and Resilience
The vineyards of the right bank of the Garonne are among the oldest in Bordeaux, their reputation dating back as early as the 17th century through trade with the Dutch. This region has long been a centre for viticultural advancements, from the lifesaving ‘Cadillac Graft’ technique, which preserved Bordeaux’s vines after the phylloxera crisis, to the establishment of Gironde’s first viticulture school in Cadillac during the 19th century. The region also founded Bordeaux’s first winegrowers’ syndicate, cementing its role as a pioneer in French winemaking.
Terroir and Grape Varieties
A study conducted by Bordeaux Sciences Agro has confirmed the unique terroir of the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux. The soils range from clay-limestone and clay-gravel to sandy-clay compositions, providing an ideal environment for both red and white grape varieties. The region cultivates Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carménère for its reds, while Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris contribute to its whites and late-harvest wines. The terroir’s natural drainage, southwest exposure and altitude variations — ranging from 10m to 120m — offer the perfect conditions for producing wines of complexity and balance.
The 8 AOPs of Premières Côtes de Bordeaux Region
This dynamic region spans eight distinct appellations, each contributing to its rich winemaking heritage. These include Bordeaux; Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux; Côtes de Bordeaux; Premières Côtes de Bordeaux and Côtes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire. The final three — Cadillac, Loupiac and Sainte-Croix-du-Mont — are renowned for their exceptional late-harvest wines. These appellations boast an unrivalled diversity of styles, making Premières Côtes de Bordeaux the only region to produce the full spectrum … from sparklings and rosés to vibrant whites, structured reds and exquisitely crafted dessert wines.
Meet the Makers — Vignobles Jean Merlaut: History, Terroir and Timeless Elegance
Château Sainte-Catherine is a historic vineyard in the tranquil Paillet Valley, with 56 hectares of vines overlooking the Garonne river. Owned by Jean Merlaut since 2013, this enchanting estate produces award-winning wines, including reds, whites and rosés, crafted with a deep respect for the terroir.
The gently winding Artolie stream weaves through the heart of the Paillet Valley, evoking the pastoral beauty of Ancient Greece and the timeless allure of Arcadia. Amidst these iconic landscapes, Château Sainte-Catherine stands as a haven of history and craftsmanship, offering both exceptional wines and a serene retreat from the everyday.
Vignobles Darriet: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1740
For nearly three centuries, Vignobles Darriet has been defined by its deep-rooted commitment to viticulture, blending heritage with innovation. The story begins in 1732 with M Rocquette, who established Château de Rouquette on the gravel-rich hills of Loupiac. By 1740, the estate was thriving, its south-facing vineyards yielding noble late-harvest wines. A cooperage was then added, reinforcing the estate’s role as a centre of fine winemaking.
In 1798, the Debat family expanded this tradition, settling on the renowned Rondillon terroir in Loupiac. Their focus on both dry and sweet white wines laid the foundation for what would become Château Dauphiné-Rondillon. The Darriet family took the reins in 1810 with the acquisition of Clos du Château de Cadillac, an estate they continue to steward over two centuries later.
The 20th century marked a period of exceptional growth. Château Dauphiné-Rondillon’s wines were bottled in 1927, earning recognition on par with Sauternes. By the mid-1930s, its 1931 vintage was sold alongside Château Pétrus, and in 1952, its wines entered the cellar of the French Presidency at the Élysée.
The Darriet family has long championed environmental stewardship. Guy Darriet, who took over in 1950, applied his background in chemical engineering and naval science to introduce forward-thinking sustainable practices. This ethos culminated in the estate achieving High Environmental Value (HVE) Level 3 certification in 2018. Meanwhile, Château de Rouquette flourished under the Darriet family’s guidance from 1962, refining its expertise in Merlot across 16.5 hectares.
Today, under the leadership of Jean-Christophe and Sandrine Darriet-Froléon, Vignobles Darriet encompasses six châteaux in total: Château Dauphiné-Rondillon, Château Rouquette, Château Moutin, Château des Gravières, Château Les Tourelles and Clos du Château de Cadillac. Their vision ensures that each wine remains a true expression of its terroir, continuing a legacy of excellence that has defined the family’s winemaking tradition for generations.
Vignoble Gonfrier: Exponential Growth From 3 HA to 1,000 HA
In 1962, Paul Gonfrier left Algeria for Gironde, settling in Lestiac-sur-Garonne with a vision and just three hectares of vines to his name. He took on the neglected Château de Marsan, driven by a deep respect for the land and a determination to build something enduring.
His sons — Pierre, Philippe and Eric — grew up immersed in the family’s work. Pierre took on civic responsibilities as Mayor, while Philippe and Eric focused on the vineyards. By 1986, the estate had grown to 30 hectares of vines alongside 50 hectares of apple orchards. With ambition and careful planning, the brothers expanded, planting an additional 15 hectares of vines each year, selecting varieties that best suited the terroir.
Their dedication paid off. The wines gained recognition, leading to further acquisitions and refinement. In 1998, following Paul’s retirement, Eric and Philippe officially formed Vignobles Gonfrier. Today, the estate spans over 1,000 hectares, blending tradition with cutting-edge winemaking.
The next generation is now at the helm. Thibault, Philippe’s son, leads vineyard management with a core focus on sustainability. His sister, Audrey, brings expertise from Bordeaux’s wine trade to oversee financial strategy meanwhile Eric’s children — Caroline, Guillaume and Paul — are also stepping into key roles, ensuring the family’s commitment to quality remains at the heart of Vignobles Gonfrier. Through it all, Château de Marsan remains the beating heart of the estate, a symbol of the family’s passion and pursuit of excellence.
Domaine De Saint Amand: A Harmony of Tradition And Nature
Nestled on a picturesque hillside just beyond Bordeaux, Domaine de Saint Amand is a boutique winery where time-honoured craftsmanship blends seamlessly with a profound respect for nature. With 25-year-old vines rooted in clay-limestone soils, the estate is transitioning to organic certification, ensuring an environmentally conscious approach to viticulture with every step, from vineyard to cellar, carefully managed to craft wines that truly express the terroir typicity.
The estate’s portfolio includes elegant reds from Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, a vibrant Bordeaux Clairet, a refreshing rosé and a crisp dry white, all made without sulfates and aged in stainless steel or oak. Visitors can explore the estate through guided tours and tastings, with the option to pair wines with charcuterie or a picnic, embracing the relaxed ‘joie de vivre’ of Bordeaux. Beyond the vineyard, guests can extend their stay in one of five beautifully restored suites in the historic heart.
Domaine de Saint Amand offers an exceptional setting for private celebrations and corporate events, framed by picturesque vineyards. Whether exploring its acclaimed wines, enjoying its elegant accommodation or hosting a bespoke gathering, guests are invited to immerse themselves into an authentic and refined Bordeaux experience.
A Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
Environmental stewardship is at the heart of the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux region. Many châteaux hold prestigious sustainability certifications and actively implement measures to protect biodiversity, such as installing bat nesting boxes and minimising their impact on local communities. This commitment ensures the long-term vitality of the land while preserving the region’s quality of life for future generations.
Wines for Every Occasion
The wines of Premières Côtes de Bordeaux are crafted to suit a range of palates and pair seamlessly with food. The reds offer depth and ageing potential, while crisp dry whites and opulent late-harvest wines bring freshness and sophistication to any meal. Meanwhile, Crémant de Bordeaux, with its fine effervescence, adds a celebratory touch to any occasion. Whether enjoyed in their youth or aged to perfection, these wines embody the region’s versatility and refinement.
Discover These Wines at the Upcoming Masterclass and Tasting Event
Wine professionals and enthusiasts are invited to experience the remarkable wines of the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux Region at a special tasting event in London:
Wine Tasting & Masterclass Invitation
📅 Monday, 17th March 2025 (13.30 – 21.00)
Walk-Around Tasting
- Masterclass 1: Unlocking the Senses with Gastronomy (14.00 – 15.00)
- Masterclass 2: Wine & Food Pairing Secrets (19.00 – 20.00)
📅 Tuesday, 18th March 2025 (10.00 – 17.00)
Walk-Around Tasting
- Masterclass 3: Terroir & Diversity of Style (12.00 – 13.00)
- Masterclass 4: Wine & Food Pairing Secrets (15.00 – 16.00)
📍 Royal Over-Seas League, 6 Park Place, London SW1A 1LR
This exclusive event, co-financed by the EU under the ‘EU Fab 6 Savour the PDO and PGI Wines and Deli Meats from Europe’ campaign, provides a rare opportunity to discover these exceptional wines, many of which are not yet available in the UK.
Attendees will meet producers from the French PDO, who will share insights into their winemaking philosophy and the distinctive qualities of their wines.
RSVP: Secure your place via the booking form link: https://eu.jotform.com/app/250234756352354 (limited spaces available) and discover why Premières Côtes de Bordeaux Region is trending on leading wine lists, globally.
For more information, please contact Leta Bester at lwa@londonwineacademy.com.
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Resources:
Château et vignoble Sainte-Catherine – Gironde
Vignobles Darriet | Les propriétés, leur histoire
Domaine de Saint Amand – The Bordeaux art de vivre awaits your visit
