Haut-Benauge AOC

Haut-Benauge sits within the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, elevated between 60 and 140 meters above sea level across its nine communes. It holds a unique distinction as the only appellation in Entre-Deux-Mers that does not directly border either the Garonne or the Dordogne rivers. Despite this, the temperate oceanic maritime climate is still moderated by proximity to both rivers. The elevated, inland position contributes to the fresh character and lively acidity found in the wines.

• Elevation ranges from 60 to 140 meters (197 to 459 feet)
• Bordeaux Haut-Benauge sub-zone sits at 85 to 118 meters (279 to 387 feet)
• Temperate oceanic climate moderated by the Garonne and Dordogne rivers
• Only Entre-Deux-Mers appellation without a direct river boundary

The soils of Haut-Benauge are predominantly clay and limestone, with a clay-limestone blend and gravel also present across the nine communes. This combination provides good drainage while retaining enough moisture to support the white varieties grown here. The limestone component contributes the mineral character that defines the appellation's style, reinforcing the crisp, focused quality of the wines.

• Clay and limestone soils dominate throughout the appellation
• Clay-limestone blends with gravel present in parts of the zone
• Limestone contributes to the minerality characteristic of the wines
• Well-drained soils support the freshness and acidity of the white varieties

Haut-Benauge produces dry white wines from four permitted varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon, and Muscadelle. The wines display citrus aromas, floral notes, and a characteristic minerality, supported by crisp, lively acidity. Under the Entre-Deux-Mers Haut-Benauge AOC, wines must contain less than 4 grams per liter of residual sugar. These are wines built for freshness rather than aging, with a recommended drinking window of one to three years. Bordeaux Haut-Benauge, the associated appellation, also permits sweet styles.

• Permitted varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon, and Muscadelle
• Dry whites with under 4 g/L residual sugar under the Entre-Deux-Mers Haut-Benauge AOC
• Citrus, floral, and mineral character with lively acidity
• Best consumed within 1 to 3 years; serve at 10 to 12°C

The Haut-Benauge appellation was formally recognized by decree on July 31, 1937, though winemaking in the area dates to the 18th century. The name derives from the medieval Château de Benauge fortress, which anchors the identity of this small zone. Haut-Benauge is the only complementary geographical name permitted within the Entre-Deux-Mers PDO. Two distinct AOCs carry the Haut-Benauge name: Entre-Deux-Mers Haut-Benauge covers dry whites exclusively, while Bordeaux Haut-Benauge covers both dry and sweet styles.

• Appellation recognized by decree on July 31, 1937
• Winemaking tradition in the area dates to the 18th century
• Named after the medieval Château de Benauge fortress
• Only complementary geographical name within the Entre-Deux-Mers PDO
• Two AOCs: Entre-Deux-Mers Haut-Benauge (dry) and Bordeaux Haut-Benauge (dry and sweet)