Entre-Deux-Mers

Bordeaux's largest wine region "between two seas" - where Benedictine monks built France's greatest medieval abbey and today's crisp Sauvignon Blanc revival thrives

Grapes Muscadelle

History

One of France's oldest wine regions - Romans planted vines 2,000 years ago. During the Middle Ages, Benedictine monks cleared land and cultivated vines. La Sauve-Majeure Abbey (12th century), now UNESCO-listed, was the spiritual center. AOC formed in 1937 for dry white wines.

At a glance

Climate: Rolling hills between Garonne and Dordogne rivers; clay and clay-limestone with gravel deposits; ~1,500-1,800 hectares for white AOC; 133 communes
Signature wines: Château Bonnet - André Lurton's family home since 1953, 274ha total, white blend of 63% Sauvignon / 22% Sémillon / 11% Colombard / 4% Muscadelle. Lurton revolutionized Bordeaux whites. $10-15/bottle.
What sets it apart: Contains a UNESCO World Heritage abbey (La Sauve-Majeure) on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route. The name means "between two seas" - the tidal Garonne and Dordogne rivers.

Historically more RED grapes are planted (5,500ha) than white (1,500ha), but only WHITE wines could be labeled Entre-Deux-Mers until 2023. La Sauve-Majeure Abbey ruins are UNESCO World Heritage.