Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge

The Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge appellation lies in the center of the Entre-deux-Mers wine region, between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge appellation is one of the key regions in the Bordeaux wine region for organic wine growing. The appellation exclusively produces white wines that are delicate, unctuous, and full-bodied. They are distinguished by their freshness and fragrant palette, including citrus fruits, flowers, and exotic fruits.Furthermore, grapes must originate from vineyards in the communes of Arbis, Cantois, Escoussans, Gornac, Ladaux, Mourens, Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, Soulignac, or Targon.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge!

Where is the Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge wine region?

Nestled between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, the Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge appellation lies in the heart of the Entre-Deux-Mers area, in southwest France. The region is just 35km southeast of Bordeaux city.  Bordeaux Haut-Benauge is a 150-hectare vineyard adjoining to Bordeaux's Premier Cru- Côtes de Bordeaux to the west and south. Loupiac Cadillac lies to the south separated by a narrow area of Cotes de Bordeaux. Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge is bordered by Saint-Macaire from the southeast. 

Where to Stay in Bordeaux

From chic urban hotels exuding contemporary elegance to rustic châteaux tucked away in the idyllic countryside, Bordeaux offers an array of stays that cater to every discerning traveler's preferences.

Distinguished by its distinctive features and tailored to meet your every need, the Madame Hotel stands as a tranquil sanctuary nestled in the bustling center of Bordeaux.

Located in the heart of Bordeaux, Le Palais Gallien Hotel & Spa immerses you in a sophisticated and polished realm.

The Château Pont Saint-Martin situated at the heart of the Pessac-Léognan Classified Growths. Its immediate neighbors include the distinguished Châteaux Malartic-Lagravière, Fieuzal, and Domaine de Chevalier.

Once the cherished residence of the renowned painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, this 16th-century estate, nestled in South Gironde, serves as an immersive gateway into the captivating realm of Lautrec.

Check out other hotels in Bordeaux Wine Region.

History of the Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge wine region

This region encompasses the old Haut-Benaugen county's nine municipalities - Targon, Arbis, Cantois, Escoussans, Gornac, Ladaux, Mourens, Soulignac, and Saint-Pierre-de-Bat. The appellation is named after the remnants of the castle of Benauge, one of the most impressive medieval fortifications in Bordeaux, located in the town of Arbis.

The terroir and geography of the Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge wine region

The Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge wine appellation produces both dry white and sweet white wines. The soil is a mixture of boulbènes and limestone rich in fossilized oysters.

The vineyard is located in a little valley with a microclimate on a large limestone bluff. From the end of summer, nighttime mists are common in this depression, while the days stay mild, allowing noble rot to grow.

Presently, 29 winegrowers engage in the appellations, producing around 1.2 million bottles yearly. 

Popular grape varieties from the Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge wine region

White wine in Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge is made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, or Muscadelle. The appellation has strict regulations to have an alcohol content of at least 11.5 percent in their wines. Furthermore, wines must originate from vines in the communes of Arbis, Cantois, Escoussans, Gornac, Ladaux, Mourens, Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, Soulignac, or Targon. 

On the other hand, Bordeaux Haut-Benauge wines are far beyond boring wines from other parts of the region. 

The wines are robust, energetic, and well-balanced. They provide a lovely fragrance combination of zesty, florals, and exotic fruits. They are approachable between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Bordeaux Haut-Benauge wines are full-bodied, silky with moderate sweetness. 

Food to pair with Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge wine 

Selles-sur-Cher

Selles-sur-Cher is a crumbly cheese produced from full-fat goat's milk that has been sprinkled with wood ash to create a distinctive rind with strong minerality. The term 'Selles' means the disk shape of the cheese. This particular cheese is manufactured in Western Sologne, which includes the Cher area of France. The texture is like moist clay, while the flavor is salty, goaty, nutty, and grass-like. The riper it gets, the more prominent its nutty flavor is. Because of the ash remains and mold, eating the rind with the cheese gives a more intense, harsher flavor.

It pairs well with Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge, as do most goat cheeses.

Moules à la marinière

Moules à la marinière is a traditional French meal composed of mussels sautéed in cider or wine sauces.  This mussel recipe is simple and tasty, and it is often served warm with pieces of crusty bread and a glass of French dry white wine like Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge.

The dish is often prepared with shallots, garlic, and herbs such as parsley, thyme, and bay leaves, which are seared in butter before being blended with white wine or cider. After that, fresh mussels are added to the stew and cooked until they open up. Freshly minced parsley, lemon juice, and sometimes mayonnaise or crème Fraiche are commonly added to the meal. This mussel recipe is simple and tasty, and it is often served warm with pieces of crusty bread and a glass of French wine on the side.

Tarte Normande

This traditional French dish originated from Normandy, a region not only for apples but also for its Calvados apple liqueur, both of which are essential ingredients of Tarte Normande and make the ideal match for the delicately sweet almond frangipane cream filling, while the base is made with pâte brisée or shortcrust pastry. Tarte Normande is traditionally served with a dollop of crème fraîche on the side and is best served warm. The dish complements the zesty and fruity notes of Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge dry white wines.

Places to visit in the Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge wine region

Château de Benauge

The Château was constructed in the eleventh century on the highest altitude of the Entre-Deux-Mers region and has overshadowed the Bordeaux vineyards for over a thousand years. With a rich and exciting history, it was especially noteworthy as a center of resistance during the Gascony insurrection in the fall of 1253. The viscounty of Benauge was created in 1426 by royal decree of Henri VI, King of France and England. The castle, a major monument of medieval structure in Aquitaine and one of the Gironde's most important strongholds, occupies the summit of a castle mound that combines ditches, the vallum, lists, terraces, dungeon, chapel, two enclosures supported with towers, and miscellaneous structures. It was guarded by a gate tower with a portcullis and a stunner. Since 1995, the castle of Benauge has been recognized as a Historic Monument.

The castle is located south of the municipal area and is accessed from the town through the D231 provincial road, which joins with the D11 road from Cadillac.

Saint Macaire, Medieval city

Saint-Macaire is an outstanding medieval architectural structure with several protected monuments, such as Place á Arcades du Mercadiou, and its homes ranging from the 13th to 16th centuries. The 14th-century Benauge Gate, also known as the Clock Gate, marks the city's entry. Just outside of the fortifications, there is the Saint-Sauveur Church, an ancient Benedictine priory that is a must-visit site. You can also visit the underground passages that were constructed during the 18th century to excavate the stone that was transported to Bordeaux for the construction of the castles. It is a bustling cultural destination with a varied cultural season from May to October.

Frequently asked questions about Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge