Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux, a small pdo With big potential
In this appellation, which is one of the region’s best-kept secrets, the authentic taste of the terroir is cultivated daily. The wines are characterized by their diversity in terms of craftsmanship, expertise and even style! If you love discovering hidden gems, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Sainte-Foy – Côtes de Bordeaux.
What is the Sainte-Foy – Côtes de Bordeaux wine region?
Key points to remember
- No more than 280 hectares of vineyards spanning 30 or so winegrowers and 19 communes.
- Plots surrounding the bastide town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, on a hilly terrain with predominantly clay-limestone soils. A location boasting a mild microclimate shaped by the Dordogne River and numerous streams, ensuring perfectly ripe grapes.
- Small-sized estates, which are mainly family-owned and committed to winegrowing that respects nature. Here things are done on a small scale, but done very well.
Why do people love Sainte-Foy – Côtes de Bordeaux and its wines?
- Because in this PDO, tradition and modernity go hand in hand to produce classic cuvées as well as more audacious wines
- Because, above all, its highly passionate winegrowers strive to showcase their terroir and the representative character of each plot
- Because, like their wines, they are all unique, with their own personality and style
- Because here, nature comes first with 90% of the area under vine being environmentally-certified
- Because visiting its Maison des Vins is always a great idea. A warm welcome is guaranteed along with bottles of good wine
- Because it is such a pleasure to savor local wines and other products at the market in the bastide town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, which boasts one of the most beautiful markets in all of France!
What is the
Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux style ?
The appellation’s wines are diverse… and complement each other to perfection.
From red… to white: elegance and character.
The red wines stand out for their richness and fruitiness with prevailing notes of red fruit, especially cherry. The distinctive freshness of Côtes de Bordeaux is also noticeable and makes all the difference.
The dry white wines stand out for their brilliant aromas with white flowers, fresh fruit and citrus taking pride of place. Round and full-bodied on the palate, the semi-sweet and sweet white wines display a good balance between richness and acidity. Notes of honey and candied fruit linger on the finish.
There is a Sainte-Foy wine to suit any occasion and dish.
See also: Grape varietiesWhich kind of wines can be found in Sainte-Foy – Côtes de Bordeaux?
First of all, there is a wide range to choose from: reds, dry white wines and sweet white wines!
Four grape varieties come into play for each style. For the red wines, enveloping Merlot, well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon, expressive Cabernet Franc, and a hint of intense Malbec take center stage. For the white wines, the appellation calls on the liveliness of Sauvignon Blanc, the power of Sauvignon Gris, the richness of Sémillon and the sweetness of Muscadelle. The latter two are also often the stars of the PDO’s dry white wines.
Fun facts
Three fun facts you need to know about Sainte-Foy – Côtes de Bordeaux
A few titbits to delve even deeper into the appellation.
1.
In 1949, the Féret – a bible of the Bordeaux wine region – did not hesitate to describe the sweet white wines of Sainte-Foy–Bordeaux as the “little Sauternes” of the Libourne region.
2.
Since 1995, the Sainte-Foy Bordeaux vinous brotherhood has set itself a mission to promote, popularize and propel the appellation’s wines around the world. Among its ranks are 30 or so men and women from all horizons, including winegrowers, retirees, teachers, physicians, and fine wine enthusiasts.
3.
Founded in 1255 by Alphonse de Poitiers, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is one of the oldest and few remaining bastide towns in the Gironde. Featuring half-timbered houses and picturesque alleys, its medieval charm remains intact, offering the perfect backdrop to a PDO combining authenticity and character.
Let’s talk about the soil
The patchwork of Sainte-Foy soils is made for winegrowing. Some consist of clay-limestone, others of sandy gravel.
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The subsoils are gravelly in the valleys, whereas clay-gravel and clay-limestone are found on the hilltops, revealing the unique personality of the Côtes de Bordeaux appellation.
Let’s travel back in time
Vines were planted on the slopes of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande many centuries ago, most likely thanks to the Romans who were great wine enthusiasts.
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The first Mediterranean negociants discovered one of the area’s key advantages: the Dordogne River, which was perfectly suited to transporting wine from one port to another.
In the early 20th century, the region belonged to the Entre-deux-Mers appellation, before local winegrowers began to promote its specific characteristics. On May 24, 1928, the Civil Court of Gironde ruled in their favor and “Sainte-Foy Bordeaux” became an appellation in its own right, both for red and white wines. Its PDO was officially recognized by decree on July 31, 1937.
In November 2016, it joined the Union des Côtes de Bordeaux (alongside Cadillac – Côtes de Bordeaux, Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux, Francs – Côtes de Bordeaux and Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux)… “Sainte-Foy – Côtes de Bordeaux” was born.
