- The Châteaux
- Château Bonnet
- Château Couhins-Lurton
- Château La Louvière
- Château de Rochemorin
- Château de Cruzeau
- Château de Barbe Blanche
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The Entre-Deux-Mers appellation
The Entre-Deux-Mers Appellation
From a geographical point of view, the Entre-Deux-Mers consists of a triangle formed by the Dordogne River to the north, the Garonne River to the south, and the eastern limit of the Gironde department. The Bec d’Ambés marks the western border.
The name Entre-Deux-Mers comes from marée, the French word for tide. The two rivers are subject to the influence of ocean tides, and the region is thus entre deux marées, or "between two tides".
This very attractive area features a succession of slopes, plateaux and valleys with a large number of châteaux and abbeys, including the one in La Sauve Majeure where monks made wine as long ago as the 11th century. The abbey now houses the headquarters of the Syndicat Viticole de l’Entre-Deux-Mers.
The Entre-Deux-Mers appellation is very spread out, and 250 vineyard owners make wine there. The total area under vine amounts to over 1,500 hectares.
The Entre-Deux-Mers region also produces red and rosé wines, but these are sold under the Bordeaux or Bordeaux Supérieur .
The terroir
Not surprisingly, the soil is quite varied in such a large region. Clay-limestone soil is most common on the limestone plateau. Combining the freshness of clay and the filtering capacities of limestone, these terroirs are perfectly suited to winegrowing.
The appellation d'origine contrôlée was created in 1937. However, specific rules and regulations governing production date from 23 September 1953.
These specifications stipulate that:
- Only dry white wines are entitled to the Entre-Deux-Mers appellation.
- These must be made from a blend of three grape varieties: Sauvignon Blance (primarily), Sémillon and Muscadelle.
- They must also have a minimum alcoholic degree of 11.5 and less than 4 grams of resideual sugar per litre.
Tasting juries who decide whether or not wines are entitled to the appellation are particularly attentive to whether their style is typical of the region.
Entre-Deux-Mers wines have a pale gold colour. They are well-balanced, crisp and subtle.
Serving suggestions
Entre-Deux-Mers wines are best enjoyed young, generally within a year after the vintage. However, they can also age well thanks to their main grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc. Served at 9°C, they are ideal as an aperitif or to accompany fish, seafood, delicatessen meats and white meats.
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