Entre-Deux-Mers
Entre-Deux-Mers is a wine region in Bordeaux, in France. It is situated between the rivers Garonne and Dordogne, and is bounded in the east by the border of the Gironde department and in the west by the Bec d'Ambès, the confluence of the Garonne and the Dordogne.[1] At 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres), it is the largest sub-region of Bordeaux,[2] although, as there are large areas of forest, relatively little of it is used for growing grapes.[3] The total area under vine is about 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres), with about 250 growers making wine there.[1]
The name of the region is derived, not from the French word "mer" ("sea"), but from "marée" ("tide"). Thus, it means "between two tides", a reference to its location between two tidal rivers.[1]
Appellation
Although both red and white wine is produced in Entre-Deux-Mers, only the white carries the appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) "Entre-Deux-Mers". The red is sold as Bordeaux or Bordeaux Supérieur.[2] Many growers switched from the white grape varieties to the more profitable red ones in the mid-20th century.[4]
Characteristics
The Entre-Deux-Mers appellation has the following characteristics:[1]
- Dry white wine: less than 4 grams/liter of residual sugar.
- Blend of three grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc (primarily), Sémillon, and Muscadelle.
- Minimum alcoholic degree of 11.5
The wine is typically enjoyed young – within one year of vintage – but has some aging potential, owing to the Sauvignon Blanc.
