Blaye - Côtes de Bordeaux

 Vineyard location: : about 45 km/ 30miles north of Bordeaux, facing the Medoc area Area: 6 500 hectares spread over 42 villages
mean area estates: 15 hectares
Mean annual production: red 320 000 hectolitres, white 15 000 hectolitres
winegrowers: 700
Cooperatives: 3

Soil : clay-limestone, clay-gravel, clay-silicious and clay. Basement is composed of "d'alios ferrugineux". Temperate climate. Humidity level high enough strengthened by inflows from the sea coast. Strong sunshine (240 days a year).
Grape varieties : Red: 70 % merlot, 20 % cabernet-sauvignon, 8% malbec and 2 % cabernet franc
White : mainly sauvignon, muscadelle and Semillon

History :

406 : Destruction of Blaye by the Huns
732 : Afer being rebuilt by the Wisigohts, Blaye is destroyed again by the Maures (also called the Sarrazins)
1685 : During the reign of Louis XIV, the Citadel is reviewed and corrected by Ferri then by Vauban

Tourism:

The Citadel « Echauguette », the Convent of the minimes, the Conservatory of the estuary.
The church of Saint-Savin with its frescos of 19th century

Tourismoffice : 05 57 42 12 09

Contact :

Syndicat Viticole:
11, cours Vauban - 33390 Blaye
Tel. : 00 33 (0)5 57 42 91 19 - F. 00 33 (0)5 57 42 85 28

Website : http://www.blaye-cotes-de-bordeaux.com