A RICH HISTORICAL LEGACY

From the Gironde estuary to the borders of the Dordogne, passing by the banks of the Garonne, the territory of the Côtes de Bordeaux charms with the diversity of its landscapes and its rich heritage. Historic châteaux, manor houses, fortresses and splendid homes, immortalised by famous artists, are evidence of the rich history of the region. Villages retaining their narrow streets, and fortified towns and windmills, are signs of a centuries old tradition of agricultural and trading activity.

The Côtes de Bordeaux bear an important witness to the history of wine in our country, but also to the history of France: some of its greatest moments took place in the territory of the Côtes de Bordeaux.

The vine has been planted in this region since ancient times. Already in the 2nd century the Romans had planted the first "Vitis Biturica" vines, and according to the writings of Ausonius in the 4th century, the reputation of the wines they produced had spread as far as Rome.

The real rise in viticulture in the region started with the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England, which opened up the London market for the wines from the Côtes. The end of the English occupation of Aquitaine in 1453 with the Battle of Castillon put an end to that.

Another boost for the wines of the Côtes de Bordeaux came in the second half of the 17th century. The English favoured these wines for export to their colonies, because of their excellent ability to withstand transport and storage. 

The 18th century marked the start of viticultural specialisation and the development of red and white Côtes appellations, officially created in the 20th century.