Côtes du Marmandais AOC

Côtes du Marmandais sits just southeast of Bordeaux along the Garonne river in the Lot-et-Garonne department, spanning 27 communes. The Garonne divides the appellation into two distinct terroir zones. The right bank features clay-limestone molasse on slopes, while the left bank offers gravelly terraces and boulbènes soils. The northern section presents clay and chalk soils similar in character to Entre-Deux-Mers. Vineyards sit at elevations between 300 and 600 meters under an oceanic climate with continental influences, receiving an average of 840mm of rainfall annually, with hot summers and cold winters.

• Right bank: clay-limestone molasse on slopes
• Left bank: gravelly terraces and boulbènes soils
• Northern section: clay and chalk soils comparable to Entre-Deux-Mers
• Oceanic climate with continental influence; 840mm average annual rainfall

The wines of Marmandais built an international reputation from the medieval period through the 19th century, with strong export trade to the Netherlands. The phylloxera epidemic devastated the vineyards in the mid-19th century, triggering a long decline. The region earned VDQS status in the 1950s and was elevated to full AOC in 1990, marking the formal recognition of a revival that had been building in the late 20th century. The story of Abouriou is particularly striking: the grape was nearly lost entirely until breeder Numa Naugé rescued it from abandoned castle plantings near Villeréal in 1882.

• Medieval to 19th-century wines exported widely to the Netherlands
• Phylloxera devastated vineyards in the mid-19th century
• VDQS status granted in the 1950s; promoted to AOC in 1990
• Abouriou rescued from extinction near Villeréal in 1882 by Numa Naugé

Red wine production dominates the appellation at 90% of total output. Blends draw on Bordeaux staples, namely Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, but regulations cap these varieties at 75% of any red blend, ensuring a role for local grapes. Abouriou is the most distinctive of these, a low-acid, high-tannin variety that acts as the unofficial mascot of the region. Malbec, Syrah, Fer, and Gamay round out the red grape palette. Red wines show black currant, plum, and berry flavors with floral aromas and spicy notes. White wines, produced from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle, and Ugni Blanc, are fresh and crisp with lime, apple, and passion fruit character. Dry rosé wines are also produced.

• Bordeaux varieties capped at 75% in red blends, making space for Abouriou and others
• Abouriou: low acidity, high tannins, the appellation's signature grape
• Reds show black currant, plum, berry, and spice character
• Whites are crisp and aromatic; lime, apple, and passion fruit notes

Around 90 winegrowers work within the appellation. The cooperative sector plays a significant role, with Cave Coopérative de Beaupuy and Cave Coopérative de Cocumont both active in the region alongside La Cave du Marmandais. Independent estates include Domaine Elian Da Ros, widely regarded as a benchmark producer, along with Château de Beaulieu, Château La Bastide, Clos Cavenac, and Château Rousseau Pallard.

• Approximately 90 winegrowers in the appellation
• Cooperative sector represented by Beaupuy, Cocumont, and Cave du Marmandais
• Domaine Elian Da Ros is a leading independent estate
• Other notable independents include Château de Beaulieu and Clos Cavenac