📍 Entre-Deux-Mers

Entre-Deux-Mers (“between two seas”) is a Bordeaux zone between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, in the south-east of the wine area. The name is misleading: the “seas” were the tidal stretches of the two rivers. It is one of the largest zones of Bordeaux.

The land is hilly, with limestone, clay and gravel. Dry white Entre-Deux-Mers is sold under its own name, made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. It is a fresh, citrusy wine that goes well with fish and seafood. Reds from here, including Merlot, are sold as Bordeaux or Bordeaux Supérieur.

Within the zone lie separate appellations: Cadillac, Loupiac and Sainte-Croix-du-Mont (sweet whites near the Garonne), Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, Côtes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire and Graves de Vayres. All belong to Bordeaux, but each has its own rules.

Entre-Deux-Mers suits anyone looking for simple dry white Bordeaux at a moderate price. The left bank of the Garonne and Gironde, with Médoc and Graves, is known for reds, while Entre-Deux-Mers on the other side is regarded as territory for white and simple red Bordeaux. On a restaurant list it is a handy name with a calm price.