Côtes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire

The Côtes-de-Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire is a wine-growing area located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux on the right bank of the Garonne river. The region covers ten communes located fifty kilometers from Bordeaux, in the southeast extension of Cadillac, Loupiac, and Sainte-Croix-du-Mont vineyards. On the other side, it confronts the city of Langon. The vineyard dominates the valley, grown on softly rolling hills parallel to the Garonne and split by vast valleys perpendicular to the river. Many little streams, tributaries of the Garonne, have carved up broad valleys in the limestone hills. Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire produces dry and sweet wines from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.

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Where is the Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire wine region?

The Côtes-de-Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire appellation is located on the right bank of the Garonne river in the southern part of Entre-deux-Mers region. It concerns 10 communes located fifty kilometers from Bordeaux, in the southeast extension of the vineyards of Cadillac, Loupiac, and Sainte-Croix-du-Mont. It faces the city of Langon, on the other side. The vineyard surface is approximately 65 hectares.  

History of the Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire wine region

The Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire has changed its style since it was granted Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée in 1931. The wine appellation was originally formed to produce sweet wines but later change the model to produce dry wines as well. The region is comparatively small to distinguish itself for sweet wines from wines of Sauternes and Barsac. The red wines produced in the region are sold under the label of Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superior. 

The terroir and geography of the Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire wine region

The vineyard dominates the valley, grown on slopes parallel to the Garonne river and split by vast valleys perpendicular to the river. Many small streams and tributaries of the Garonne have carved out huge valleys in the limestone hills. The soil is mostly clay-limestone or sandy-clay. The weather circumstances favor the growth of Botrytis grapes, the noble rot of Semillon. The region has an oceanic climate due to the Bay of Biscay on the west and the Balearic Sea on the east. The flavor of the Côtes-de-Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire is rich and sweet, with aromas of fruits and honey.

Popular grape varieties from the Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire wine region

There are only three grape varieties grown in the Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire wine appellation - Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. This small wine appellation currently produces dry and sweet wines. The sweet wines of this region are characterized as thick and syrupy with fruity aromas. The wines are rich and smooth with a taste of nuts, dried fruits, and honey.  The aging potential ranges from 2-5 years and is best served at 8 degrees Celcius.

Food to pair with Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire wine 

Tarte Tatin

In the 1880s, the tarte Tatin was invented by Tatin sisters by accident at the Hôtel Tatin in Lamotte-Beuvron, 169 kilometers south of Paris. Despite its French roots, it is currently available at thousands of restaurants worldwide. The filling for this simple open-faced pie is made with apples, sugar, and butter, while the dough is made with flour, water, butter, egg, and a sprinkle of salt. Tarte Tatin is best served warm and without any additional ingredients or garnishes. This dish may also be converted into turnovers, when the crust is fried not just upside-down but also inverted. The dish perfectly complements the thick and syrupy wines from Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire.

Mousse au Chocolat

Mousse au Chocolat is a classic French dessert made from dark chocolate, eggs, butter, sugar, and salt. Characterized with its frothy, bubbly texture and deep chocolate taste set it apart from any other chocolate-based dessert. Mousse emerged as a cooking method in the 18th century, thus it was only a matter of time before the French began utilizing chocolate in the making of mousse. Mousse au Chocolat is now typically garnished with flakes or pieces of chocolate on top, which adds contrast to the flavor and silky texture of the mousse. Mint leaves, cream, raspberries, or strawberries are additional popular decorating options for this traditional, indulgent French dessert.

Brie de Meaux

Brie de Meaux is a soft cheese from France made from cow milk. The exquisite skin of the flat cheese is coated in white mold. It spends at least a month maturing in basements on straw mats in the Île-de-France region near Paris. This specific type of Brie is recognized among food enthusiasts, and it was once known as the cheese of royalty and the wealthy. The cheese is frequently used in French cuisine, such as Galettes briardes and Bouchées á la Reine au Brie. The Brie de Meaux pairs well with wines from Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire.

Places to visit in the Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire wine region

Château de Tardes

Château de Tardes is an amazing castle in the commune of Saint Macaire in the Gironde of France. The castle was said to be built during the 13-14 centuries as a fortress but was later converted into a Renaissance-style mansion at the end of the 16th century. The mullions and a troubadour-style hexagonal tower were later added to the estate. The castle was recognized as a historic site by the french ministry of culture on 21 October 1997. The castle is just 45 minute drive from Bordeaux city.

Prieuré de Saint-Macaire

The church of Saint Macaire is a priory in the center of the ancient town of Saint Macaire. The church was said to be commissioned by Saint Martin in the early 4th century to preach Christianity to the south of Bordeaux city. The church was rebuilt during the early 13-15 centuries. Because of the neighboring structures, the bedside seems like a true cloverleaf. Only a shot taken from the bottom of the wall can provide a complete picture. This bedside table dates from the mid-twelfth century. It is adorned halfway up with a rope of billets that runs from north to south, and it combines some of the typical motifs of Romanesque art. The priory received historic monument status in 1840. 

Frequently asked questions about Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire