🥃 Fine Bordeaux
French PGI wine spirit from Bordeaux: white wines of Ugni blanc, Colombard and Sémillon, double distillation in copper, at least a year in oak, from 40 % ABV.
Fine Bordeaux is a protected geographical indication for French wine spirit from the Bordeaux vineyards. It is distilled twice in a copper still from white wines and aged at least one year in oak. On the market its strength is from 40 % ABV, the colour is amber, and the specification describes aromas of citrus, honey, butter and vanilla.
Raw material. The zone matches the AOP Bordeaux: 501 of the 542 communes of the Gironde. The main grape varieties are Colombard, Sémillon and Ugni blanc, together at least 70 %; the auxiliary variety is Merlot blanc, up to 30 %. Wines for distillation may not be enriched or sulphited; their natural strength is 8–12 % ABV.
Production. Distillation is double, with re-distillation in a copper still, as in Charente, and it must be finished by 1 April of the following year. The spirit comes off at 65–72 % ABV. It then matures at least 12 months in oak barrels of up to 600 litres. Caramel colouring and a little sugar are allowed.
History. According to the specification, at the end of the 19th century spirits from the Gironde could still be called cognac, but in 1911 the growers of the north of the department chose the Bordeaux appellation. In 1942 the name « Eau-de-vie d'Aquitaine » appeared, and in 1974 « Fine Bordeaux ». Production is small: about 260 hectolitres a year on average.
Why this matters to you. The age markings are the same as for cognac: VSOP and « Vieille Fine » from 4 years, « Napoléon » from 6, XO or a vintage year from 10. It is a rare brandy from Bordeaux, not a wine. The WHO reminds: there is no safe dose of alcohol.
Facts
| EU category | 4 « Wine spirit »; PGI « Fine Bordeaux » |
|---|---|
| Raw material | white Bordeaux wines: Colombard, Sémillon, Ugni blanc ≥ 70 %, Merlot blanc ≤ 30 %; 8–12 % ABV, no enrichment or sulphites |
| Distillation method | double, in a copper still, up to 65–72 % ABV; finished by 1 April of the following year |
| Minimum maturation | at least 12 months in oak up to 600 l; VSOP — 4, Napoléon — 6, XO — 10 years |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | from 40 % ABV |
| Legal basis | specification of the PGI « Fine Bordeaux », order of 10.04.2025 (JORF 12.04.2025) |
| Year founded | 1974 — the name « Fine Bordeaux »; 1942 — « Eau-de-vie d'Aquitaine » |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Fine Bordeaux → kind of → 🍇 Grape brandies → kind of → 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Packed in
- 🍷 Oak barrel
- Made from
- 🍇 Trebbiano Toscano, 🍇 Colombard, 🍇 Sémillon
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Traditions
- 🧑🤝🧑 French
- Part of
- 🍇 Grape brandies
- Related to
- 📍 Bordeaux
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Cognac, 🥃 Armagnac, 🥃 VS, VSOP, XO
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that Fine Bordeaux is a wine from Bordeaux?
No. It is a wine spirit, that is, a brandy: white Bordeaux wine is distilled twice and aged in oak; the strength on the market is from 40 % ABV.
Which grape varieties are used for Fine Bordeaux?
The main ones are Colombard, Sémillon and Ugni blanc (together at least 70 %); the auxiliary is Merlot blanc, up to 30 %.
How many years is Fine Bordeaux aged?
At least 12 months in oak barrels of up to 600 litres; for VSOP at least 4 years, for XO 10.
How does Fine Bordeaux differ from cognac?
By zone and grape varieties: it comes from the Gironde under the AOP Bordeaux rules. The minimum ageing is one year, while cognac needs two.
Since when has the name Fine Bordeaux existed?
Since 1974; before that these spirits belonged to the wider name « Eau-de-vie d'Aquitaine », defined in 1942.
What to read next
- 🍇 Trebbiano Toscano — A white Italian grape called Ugni Blanc in France; used for wine and Cognac.
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🧑🤝🧑 French — The French are the main population of France, known for the festive meal and baguette on UNESCO's list, for wine and for cheese.
- 🥃 VS, VSOP, XO — Cognac age statements, based on the youngest spirit in the blend.
- 🍷 Drunk driving — Never drive after drinking wine: alcohol slows your reactions.
Similar
🥃 Eau-de-vie de Faugères · 🥃 Côtes-du-Rhône wine spirit (Eau-de-vie de vin des Côtes-du-Rhône) · 🥃 Languedoc wine spirit (Eau-de-vie de vin originaire du Languedoc) · 🥃 Marne wine spirit (Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne) · 🥃 Bugey wine spirit (Eau-de-vie de vin originaire du Bugey) · 🥃 Fine de Bourgogne
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Cahier des charges de l'indication géographique «Fine Bordeaux», arrêté du 10.04.2025 (JORF 12.04.2025), BO Agri 17.04.2025: cat. 4 eau-de-vie de vin; colombard, sémillon, ugni blanc ≥ 70 %, merlot blanc ≤ 30 %; double distillation in copper, 65–72 %; ≥ 12 months in oak ≤ 600 l; ≥ 40 %; 1911, 1942 Eau-de-vie d'Aquitaine, 1974 Fine Bordeaux
- INAO: Fine Bordeaux — product sheet (eau-de-vie de vin from white grapes of AOP Bordeaux, at least one year in oak, formerly Eau-de-vie d'Aquitaine; 1911)
- Regulation (EC) No 110/2008, Annex III as at 31.01.2020 (legislation.gov.uk): France — cat. 4 wine spirit: Cognac (with Fins Bois etc.), Fine Bordeaux, Fine de Bourgogne, Armagnac; cat. 9: Framboise d'Alsace
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)