Bordeaux AOCs Flashcards

1
Q

Bordeaux AOC

A

Wine Styles: Dry White, Rose, Red, Light Red, Semi-Sweet Wine

Sweetness: Semi-Sweet White between 0,5-6% (5-60g/l)

Grape Varieties:
White: [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle [S] Colombard, Merlot Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Alvarinho, Liliorila
Rose: [P] Sauvignon Gris
Red: [P]Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere [S] Arinarnoa, Castets, Marselan, Touriga Nacional

Bordeaux AOC is the large, region-wide appellation for dry whites, semi-sweet whites, roses, light reds (clairet) and reds.

Whites are primarily Sauvignon Blanc or Sauvignon / Semillon Blends. All white varieties except for Alvarinho can be used in semi-sweet white wines. Roses are made from the red varieties with the possible addition of Semillon and/or the Sauvignons. They are always dry. Light reds, or clairets, are made from red varieties only.

Reds are also only made from red varieties, with most being Merlot-based. The wines have a light tannic structure and are best enjoyed upon release.

Haut-Benauge is a slender strip of land in the Entre-deux-Mers sub-region that runs parallel to the Garonne. Haut-Benauge is also a DGC, a specific area under Bordeaux AOC that makes dry and semi-sweet whites largely from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

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2
Q

Bordeaux Superieur AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red, Semi-Sweet Wine

Minimum Sweetness: Semi-Sweet White 1.7% (17g/l)

Grape Varieties:
White: [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle [S] Colombard, Merlot Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Liliorila
Rose: [P]Sauvignon Gris
Red: [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere [S] Arinarnoa, Castets, Marselan, Touriga Nacional

The Bordeaux Superieur appellation must adhere to stricter production standards than the Bordeaux AOC, such as lower maximum yield and a higher minimum alcohol level. Red wine must be aged until June 15th of the year after harvest. Whites must fall into the moelleux (semi-sweet) category and must be made from at least 70% of the primary white varieties. There is no dry white Bordeaux Superieur, which is why Alvarinho is not allowed in the AOC.

As a general rule, the fruit designated for Bordeaux Superieur hails from special parcels and/or older vines than the fruit going into the Bordeaux AOC. This is not to say that the fruit is “old vine” fruit; it is simply that the vineis are older than those being used for the Bordeaux AOC. Sometimes, red and white Bordeaux Superieur is given a stint in oak. All Bordeaux Superieur must be estate-bottled.

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3
Q

Cremant de Bordeaux AOC

A

Wine Styles: Sparkling White, Sparkling Rose

Grape Varieties:
White: [P]Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle [S] Colombard Merlot Blanc, Ugni Blanc
Rose: [P]Sauvignon Gris
Red: [P]Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere

Although sparkling wine has been made in Bordeaux for over 100 years, it only received official AOC status in 1990. Cremants can be white or rose. White cremant must be made from at least 70% of the primary varieties including the Bordeaux region’s major red grapes when vinified as blanc de noirs. Rose is made from red varieties only.

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4
Q

The Medoc

A

The sub-region of Medoc encompasses a triangular peninsula to the north of the city of Bordeaux. The vineyards are located in a narrow swath along the left bank of the Gironde Estuary, and they enjoy the temperature-moderating effects of this body of water as well as that of the Atlantic. For the most part, soils are gravel mounds atop limestine; Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominate plantings.

All the Medoc AOCs are:
Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere

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5
Q

Medoc AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere

Medoc AOC is located in the north of the Medoc Peninsula. There are a wife variety of terroirs here, but in general, there is more clay and limestone and less gravel. For this reason, Merlot dominates plantings. Approximately 40% of the Medoc Peninsula’s entire production is made here.

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6
Q

Haut-Medoc AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere

The Haut-Medoc AOC covers the southern 2/3 of the Medoc Peninsula, in between the other named communes. The soils are gravels atop various subsoils. Because Haut-Medoc runs for 60km, there can be many mesoclimates the growing environments. As a rule, wine quality is high and offers good value.

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7
Q

Saint-Estephe AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere

The soil of Saint-Estephe has higher percentage of clay than its southern neighbors. It is also a little windier and cooler. For these reasons, there is a higher percentage of Merlot in the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend (relative to other communes of the Medoc). The higher percentage of Merlot helps to soften a wine that would otherwise be quite hard and tannic upon release.

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8
Q

Pauillac AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere

Pauillac AOC is blessed with gravelly soil with excellent nature drainage. The blends are Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, and the grapes ripe fully, delivering powerful, structured wines with tremendous ageability and a benchmark note of dusty cocoa. Pauillac has more classified growths (17) than any other commune in the Medoc.

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9
Q

Saint-Julien AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere

Wine critic Robert Parker called Saint-Julien the Medoc’s most underrated commune. It is a well-drained area of gravel mounds over subsoils of clay, marl, gravel and iron-pan. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the blend and expresses itself as chocolate and cherry here. Many consider Saint-Julien to be the most “Californian” of the Medoc communes.

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10
Q

Margaux AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere

Margaux is the most southerly of the Medoc communes. Here, the gravels vary in size and composition. There is more sand in the subsoil, which is quick to warm but not very water-retentive. Wines from here are considered the most delicate, perfumed and elegant of all the Medoc communes.

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11
Q

Listrac-Medoc AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere

The name “Listrac” means “fringe” or “edge,” which describes this AOC’s location at the edge of the vineyard landscape where it meets the forest. Soils here have more clay, sands and limestone, and so Merlot is the perdominant variety in the blend. Wines from Listrac are heavier and denser with less fragrance than wines from other Medoc communes. They benefit from a few years in the cellar.

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12
Q

Muolis-en-Medoc / Moulis AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere

Moulis has quite varied soils and subsoils with a higher content of clay and marls. Like Listrac, its climate is less moderated than other communes because of its distance from the Gironde. Wines are primarily Merlot-based and full-bodied. They also express themselves best with a little age.

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13
Q

Graves AOC

A

Wine Styles: Dry White, Red

Grape Varieties:
White: [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris
Red: [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenere, Cot

Graves AOC produces red blends based on Cabernet Sauvignon and whites based on Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. 85% of production here is red. Whites can be oaked or non-oaked; the blend varies from chateau to chateau.

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14
Q

Graves Superieures AOC

A

Wine Styles: Semi-Sweet White

Minimum Sweetness: 3.4% (34g/l)

Grape Varieties:
White: [P] Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris

Graves Superieures AOC produces semi-sweet white wines with grapes concentrated through the action of noble rot of passerillage.

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15
Q

Pessac-Leognan AOC

A

Wine Styles: Dry White, Red

Grape Varieties:
White: [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris
Red: [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenere, Cot

Once a part of the Graves AOC, Pessac-Leognan received its own AOC in 1987. This is the northernmost portion of Graves, and it produces noteworthy Cabernet Sauvignon-based reds from grapes grown on deep gravel soils. Many of these reds possess a unique hint of clove on the finish. The whites are based on Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, and they often see oak. Their crisp acidity keeps them aging gracefully for a decade or two.

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16
Q

Sauterns AOC

A

The soils of the Sauternes appellation are diverse, but generally comprise sand, gravel, clay, marl and limestone. 2/3 of the appellation is planted to Semillon and 1/3 to Sauvignon Blanc. Muscadelle has largely fallen out of favor. Yields are just 25hl/ha.

The wines are sweet and voluptuous, complex and concentrated and have great aging ability. Flavor of young wines may be of apricot, pineapple, honey and almond, whereas aged wines typically display apricot, grilled pineapple, spice and nuts.

Dry whites are often branded with the first letter of the chateau name (e.g. Y (pronounced “ee-grek”) from Chateau d’Yquem).

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17
Q

Barsac AOC

A

Wine Styles: Sweet White

Minimum Sweetness: 4.5% (45g/l)

Grape Varieties:
White: [P]Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris

Barsac AOC lies on the left bank of the Ciron River across from the Sauternes. It was once quite an important port, famous for its limestone and lumber. Most of the appellation encompasses a clay-limestone plateau, and the vineyards are typically bordered by low stone walls constructed from rocks that were pulled from the vineyard. The wines display a distinctive lemony freshness that many attribute to this limestone. Barsac producers may bottle their wine as Sauternes if desired, as Barsac is included in the Sauternes zone of production.

18
Q

Cerons AOC

A

Wine Styles: Sweet White

Minimum Sweetness: 4.5% (45g/l)

Grape Varieties:
White: [P]Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris

Cerons AOC is produced in 3 communes north of Barsac. It has tiny area under vine at just 33ha. Its wines are similar in style to Sauternes and Barsac; however, its maximum yields are higher. Because the soil of Cerons has a higher gravel and sand content than Sauterns and Barsac, it is able to bottle its dry reds and whites as Graecs and its semi-sweet wines as Graves Superieures.

19
Q

Entre-deux-Mers AOC
1937

A

Wine Styles: Dry White

Grape Varieties:
White: [P] Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle [S] Colombard, Mauzac, Merlot Blanc, Ugni Blanc
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris

The Entre-deux-Mers AOC produces nearly 25% of all the dry white wines of Bordeaux. By comparison, the Bordeux AOC produces over 60% (2018). This AOC covers the whole of the Entre-deux-Mers sub-region. WInes must be a blend.

Entre-deux-Mers Haut-Benauge is a DGC of the Entre-deux-Mers AOC and produces dry wines.

20
Q

Cadilla AOC / Loupaic AOC / Sainte-Criox-du-Mont AOC

A

There 3 Aocs are located directly across the Garonne Rivver from the famous sweet wine regions of the Sauternais. They share the same macroclimate as the Sauternais, although to a lesser degree. There is less morning mist on the right bank of the Garonne. Sainte-Croix-du-Mont is considered to be more prestigious than the others because of the greater concentration of gravels in its soils.

21
Q

Graves de Vayres AOC

A

Wine Styles: Dry White, Red, Semi-Sweet White

Minimum Sweetness: 0.4% (4g/)

Grape Varieties:
White: [P]Semillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle [S] Merlot Blanc
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot, Petit Verdot, Carmenere

Graves de Vayres takes its name from th gravel beds that comprise its soils. Most of the rounded pebbles were deposited by the Isle River as the appellation lies direcly opposite where the Isle empties into the Dordogne. The whites are largely Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon blends but can contani up to 35% Merlot Blanc. Most of its producction, however, is red.

22
Q

Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux AOC

A

Wine Styles: Semi-Sweet to Sweet White

Minimum Sweetness: 3.4% (34 g/l)

Grape Varieties:
White: [P] Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris

Right bank of the Garonne. Series of clay and limestone hills.
Red: [P][S]

23
Q

Cotes de Bourdeaux Saint-Macaire AOC

A

Wine Styles: Dry White, Semi-Sweet White, Sweet White

Minimum Sweetness: Semi-Sweet between 3.4-4.5% (34-45 g/l), Sweet White > 4.5% (45g/l)

Grape Varieties:
White: [P] Semillon, Savignon Blanc, Muscadelle
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris

Right bank of the Garonne. Clay and limestone hills.

24
Q

Fronsac AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

Fronsac and Canon Fronsac are the only 2 Libournais AOCs that lie on the right bank of the Isle River. Canon Fronsac nests within the Fronsac along the Dordogne. Clay and limestone soils make this Merlot and Cabernet Franc territory. The wines are characterized by red fruits and black pepper.

25
Q

Canon Fronsac AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

Fronsac and Canon Fronsac are the only 2 Libournais AOCs that lie on the right bank of the Isle River. Canon Fronsac nests within the Fronsac along the Dordogne. Clay and limestone soils make this Merlot and Cabernet Franc territory. The wines are characterized by red fruits and black pepper.

26
Q

Pomerol AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot, Petit Verdot

27
Q

Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

Merlot and Cabernet Franc express themselves with heady aromas and rich textures in Pomerol and Lalande-de-Pomeral because of the unique iron-rich soils found here. The wines of the Pomerol are soft, velvety, round and gernous. The wines of Lalande-de-Pomerol tend to be less aromatic, less structured and more characterized by bright berry fruit.

28
Q

Saint Emillon AOC / Saint Emillion AOC Grand Cru

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

These 2 AOCs cover exactly the same area of production; the Grand Cru AOC has tougher production standards. In order to receive Grand Cru AOC status, producers must adhere to a lower yield (than Saint-Emilion AOC) and higher minimum alcohol. All Grand Cru AOC wines must be bottled at the chateau and undergo 2 tastings, both before and after its mandatory one-year period of aging. Production of Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC is over 3x the production of Saint-Emilion AOC (2018).

Most soils here are comprised of limestone and clay. There are pockets of sand along the river. There are also 2 “islands” of Pomerol soil within Saint-Emilion Chateau Figeac and Chateau Cheval Blanc are located on them. The result of these varied soil types is that some wines demonstrate high acidity and polished tannins (limeestone), while others are more fruit-forward (sand), while still others mirror a Pomerol flavor profile (with velvet tannins and hints off walnut and prune).

29
Q

Lussac Saint-Emilion AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

The wines of the 4 Saint-Emilion satellites boasts the same flavors and aromas as Saint-Emilion but in a more delicate structure.

30
Q

Montagne-Saint-Emilion AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

The wines of the 4 Saint-Emilion satellites boasts the same flavors and aromas as Saint-Emilion but in a more delicate structure.

31
Q

Puisseguin Saint-Emilion AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

The wines of the 4 Saint-Emilion satellites boasts the same flavors and aromas as Saint-Emilion but in a more delicate structure.

32
Q

Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

The wines of the 4 Saint-Emilion satellites boasts the same flavors and aromas as Saint-Emilion but in a more delicate structure.

33
Q

The Cotes

A

Cotes, in French, means coast/slop. These areas slop tot he rivers or the estuary. Most of the Cotes are located on the right banks and are southwest-facing. All cotes are principally clay and limestone soils. AMong the reds, Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends prevail. In 2009, the Bordalais debuted a new AOC: Cotes de Bordeaux.

34
Q

Cotes de Bordeaux AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

Cotes de Bordeaux is a red-only AOC and can incorporate any of the 5 DGCs:

Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux
Saint-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux
Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux

35
Q

Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux DGC

A

Wine Styles: Dry White, Red

Grape Varieties:
White: [P] Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle [S] Colombard, Ugni Blanc
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris
Red: [P] Merlot Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux DGC produces 3% of all the dry white wine made in Bordeaux (2018). Only 40% of its production is red and these reds are Merlot-based blends.

36
Q

Cadillac Cotes des Bordeaux DGC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cebernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Peit Verdot, Carmenere

Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux is located on the right bank of the Garonne. It is red only and Merlot-dominant, but with significant additions of Cabernet Sauvignon. Its soils are clay and limestone interspered with pockets of gravel, hence the use of Cabernet Sauvignon.

37
Q

Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux DGC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux is located on the right bank of the Dordogne, just east of Saint-Emilion It is a red-only area, with an abundance of clay. For this reason, Merlot often comprises 70-80% of the blend.

38
Q

Francs Cotes de Bordeaux DGC

A

Wine Styles: Dry White, Red, Sweet White

Minimum Sweetness: Sweet White 5.1% (51g/l)

Grape Varieties:
White: [P] Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle [S] Colombard, Ugni Blanc
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

Francs Cotes de Bordeaux DGC is located to the north of Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux. Only a small amoutn of dry white and an even smaller amount of sweet white is produced. The vast majority of production is red. The region has a lot of limestone, so Cabernet Franc is a significant component of the Merlot-dominant blend.

39
Q

Saint-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux DGC

A

Wine Styles: Dry White, Red, Semi-Sweet White, Sweet White

Minimum Sweetness: Semi-Sweet White between 1.7 - 4.5% (17g/l - 45g/l), Sweet White > 5.1% (51g/l)

Grape Varieties:
White: [P]Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle [S] Colombard, Ugni Blanc
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

Unlike most Cotes, Sainte-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux is located on the left bank (of the Dordogne) and faces east. Along with red wines, Saint-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux also produces a small amount of white wines in a wide range of sweetness levels.

40
Q

Blaye AOC

A

Wine Styles: Red

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere, Cot

A mix of soil types (sandy gravel, clay and limestone) makes for great diversity in vine plantings; however, the most widely planted red grape is Merlot, Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon.

41
Q

Cotes de Blaye AOC

A

Wine Styles: Dry White

Grape Varieties:
White: [P]Colombard, Ugni Blanc [S] Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris

This appellation historically crafted dry whites, primarily from Colombard and Ugni Blanc, but is currently in transition

42
Q

Bourg/Cotes de Bourg/Bourgeais AOC

A

Wine Styles: Dry White, Red

Grape Varieties:
White: [P] Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Colombard
Rose: [S] Sauvignon Gris
Red: [P]Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot

This appellation has 3 names and all of them are officially recognized. The dominant red grape is Merlot, comprising 65% of all red plantings. Of the white grapes planted, 40% is Sauvignon Blanc with the balance split between Colombard and Semillon.