Cotes de Blaye

Situation and soil about Cotes de Blaye area  
The Côtes of Blaye is situated approximately 50 km North-West of Bordeaux. Cotes de Blaye is perched on a rocky ridge dominating the Gironde's estuary. The borough of Blaye lies in the middle of the largest area of the right bank. The Cotes de Blaye region's weather is characterized by its moderate climate with slightly above average temperatures and a mild warm wind all year round. Côte de Blaye's vineyard is located on the hillside along the Gironde and further North on a vast plateau. The Cotes de Blaye soils vary a lot. Depending on whether they are close to the river or higher on the plateau, they can be argillaceous, sandy or gravelly. All these Cotes de Blaye soils are appropriate for the culture of the red Merlot grapes. 

Characteristics about Cotes de Blaye appellation 
Cotes de Blaye growers mainly cultivate red wines but also a few dry white wines. The reds Cotes de Blaye wines produced are fruity, rather powerful but still have a relatively flexible structure. 

Main properties of the appellation Cotes de Blaye
The non exhaustive list of the appellation's best properties includes: La Rivalerie, Cassagne-Boutet, Ségonzac, Grand Moulin, Bristeau, Grand Barrail, Haut-Canteloup, Mondésir-Gazin, Les Bertrands and La Salle.

Varietals and technical data about Cotes de Blaye appellation
With a surface of 7000 ha, the average production, 98% in red, is of approx. 400000 hl. 

Average yield about Cotes de Blaye appellation: 57 hl/ha. 

Type of vines about Cotes de Blaye appellation: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. A pleasant dry white is produced on approximately 200 ha (Sauvignon, Semillon and Muscadelle).