One requires only an elementary understanding of French to appreciate the location of this appellation - Entre-Deux-Mers - literally between two seas - refers to the tidal rivers Dordogne and Garonne which bind the area to the north and south, and influence its microclimate by moderating temperature extremes in summer and winter. Soils of sand and clay dominate, and vineyards occupy plots at various elevations.
Perhaps the largest of Bordeaux’s sub-regions by area, Entre-Deux-Mers’ lush rural landscape of rolling hills, woodlands and unspoilt countryside punctuated by picturesque villages, leaves only a fraction of its area suitable for viticultural activity. That said, the appellation still boasts two-thousand-four-hundred hectares under vine, shared by more than two-hundred wine-makers, and some gloriously grand châteaux.
The AOCs vines comprise of the Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle grapes, which subsequently yield wines which are crisp, aromatic and fruity. These wines are usually best consumed in their youth (within two years of vintage) although some have proved capable of ageing very well. By law, the minimum alcohol content of Entre-Deux-Mers’ wines is 11.5%.
