Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux AOC

Wine production in the Sainte-Foy area almost certainly began under Roman influence, with Mediterranean merchants using the Dordogne River for transport during the Roman conquest. In the early 20th century the region was classified as part of the Entre-deux-Mers appellation, before local growers campaigned for independent recognition. The Civil Court of the Gironde ruled in their favour on May 24, 1928, and the PDO 'Sainte-Foy Bordeaux' was formally confirmed by decree on July 31, 1937. In November 2016, the appellation joined the Union des Côtes de Bordeaux alongside Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon, and Francs, adopting the current name 'Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux.'

• Viticulture likely established during the Roman era, with wine transported along the Dordogne River by early merchants
• Region previously classified under Entre-deux-Mers before growers secured independent appellation status via the Civil Court of the Gironde in 1928
• PDO officially confirmed by ministerial decree on July 31, 1937, under the name 'Sainte-Foy Bordeaux'
• Current name 'Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux' adopted in November 2016 upon joining the Union des Côtes de Bordeaux

Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux occupies the most easterly point of the Gironde department, sitting on the southern bank of the Dordogne River at the gateway to the Périgord. The appellation is anchored by the medieval bastide town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and spreads across hilly terrain in 19 communes. Soils are highly varied: clay-limestone dominates on the hilltops, while sandier, gravelly 'boulbène' soils appear in the valleys, with gravelly subsoils beneath. The mild microclimate created by the Dordogne and surrounding streams promotes consistent grape ripening, and the Atlantic influence, with its warm summers, provides ideal growing conditions.

• Easternmost appellation in the Gironde, approximately 65 km east of Bordeaux city and around 20 km west of the city of Bergerac
• Hilly terrain with clay-limestone soils on the hilltops and sandy-gravelly 'boulbène' soils in the valleys, providing a diversity of terroir expressions
• Dordogne River and numerous streams create a mild microclimate that moderates temperatures and supports even grape ripening
• Mixed Atlantic and continental climate influences, with warm, dry summers helping grapes reach full maturity

Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux stands out within the Côtes de Bordeaux family by producing all three major wine styles: red, dry white, and botrytized sweet wines. Red wines are led by Merlot, which accounts for approximately 65 percent of red plantings, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon (around 17 percent), Cabernet Franc (around 15 percent), and Malbec (around 3 percent). Whites are dominated by Sauvignon Blanc at roughly 60 percent of white plantings, followed by Semillon (around 30 percent) and Muscadelle (around 10 percent). Sweet wines, sold as 'Sainte-Foy Liquoreux,' are produced from botrytis-affected grapes, predominantly Semillon.

• Red wines: Merlot-driven blends (approximately 65% of plantings) with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec; red cherry and plum fruit character with fresh acidity
• Dry whites: Sauvignon Blanc dominant (approximately 60% of white plantings), offering bright citrus and floral aromatics, blended with Semillon and Muscadelle
• Sweet wines (Sainte-Foy Liquoreux): produced from botrytis-affected grapes, predominantly Semillon, with honeyed fruit and balanced acidity
• One of only two Côtes de Bordeaux appellations producing red, dry white, and sweet wines from botrytized grapes

The appellation is characterised by small, predominantly family-owned estates, with around 21 to 30 growers and cooperatives operating across its 19 communes. Château Carbonneau, based in Pessac-sur-Dordogne, is among the most internationally recognised producers: the château was built around 1880, restarted independent production in 1995, achieved organic certification from the 2022 harvest, and has been Demeter-certified biodynamic since the 2023 harvest. The domaine produces Merlot-led red blends as well as white wines from Sauvignon Blanc, and its cuvées have received favourable attention from international critics. The Maison des Vignerons in the centre of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande serves as a visitor hub where wines from multiple producers can be tasted.

• Château Carbonneau: historic property built around 1880, relaunched in 1995, now Demeter biodynamic certified (from 2023 harvest); red blends and Sauvignon Blanc whites
• Château Couronneau: another recognised producer in the appellation, known for white wines from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
• Predominantly small family estates averaging around nine hectares, with most welcoming visitors by appointment for cellar-door tastings
• Maison des Vignerons de Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux in the heart of the bastide town offers tastings of reds, dry whites, sweet wines, and rosés from appellation producers

Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux operates under the Côtes de Bordeaux regulatory framework adopted when it joined the Union des Côtes de Bordeaux in November 2016. The appellation permits production of red, dry white, and sweet wines, using the same grape varieties as the broader Bordeaux region. For reds, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot are authorised. For whites, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle form the palette, with Semillon the key variety in sweet productions. The appellation was previously known as 'Sainte-Foy Bordeaux,' a name recognised by court ruling in 1928 and confirmed by decree on July 31, 1937, before its integration into the Côtes de Bordeaux family in 2016.

• Legal recognition first granted by the Civil Court of the Gironde, May 24, 1928; PDO confirmed by decree July 31, 1937
• Integrated into the Union des Côtes de Bordeaux in November 2016, adopting the current 'Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux' name
• Authorised red varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot; authorised white varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
• Produces three wine categories: dry reds, dry whites, and botrytized sweet wines (Sainte-Foy Liquoreux)

The bastide town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, founded in 1255 by Alphonse de Poitiers and the oldest bastide in the Gironde, is the natural starting point for any visit to the appellation. Its arcaded central square, half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, and Saturday morning market (ranked among the finest in France) create a compelling destination alongside the wine routes. The Maison des Vignerons in the town centre offers tastings of the appellation's full range of wines throughout the week. Proximity to the Dordogne River, the Château de Montaigne (home of Renaissance writer Michel de Montaigne), and the Périgord gastronomy circuit makes Sainte-Foy an excellent base for wider exploration.

• Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, founded 1255 by Alphonse de Poitiers, is the oldest bastide in the Gironde, with a listed arcaded square and half-timbered medieval houses
• Saturday morning market is among the most celebrated in France, offering local Périgord produce alongside wines from appellation growers
• Maison des Vignerons in the bastide centre hosts regular tastings of appellation reds, whites, sweet wines, and rosés
• Region borders the Dordogne River valley, giving access to kayaking, walking, and visits to nearby Château de Montaigne and Périgord gastronomy