Côtes de Bourg

The Côtes de Bourg is the middle of the three wine districts that line the Dordogne and the Gironde between Libourne in Saint-Émilion and the approaches to the open sea. (The other two are the Côtes de Blaye and Fronsac and these are worth watching too.) It is much smaller than the Côtes de Blaye to the north and its wines will generally age for longer, although they are not as tannic as a lot of the wines from Fronsac.

Yields are kept low at around 50 hectolitres per hectare for red wines and this, believe it or not, can sometimes be lower than that permitted in the supposedly more prestigious Médoc across the river. This is also one of the prettiest parts of the Bordeaux wine region and the famous châteaux of the Médoc are only a short ferry ride away across the moody Gironde estuary. There are steep slopes down to the river and rolling plateaux behind. If you have the time and a good map do explore the country lanes; the big city of Bordeaux could be a million miles away.

Our exclusive wine from Château Rousselle is carefully blended from the classic Bordeaux grape varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot - and we expect it to be at its best after 5 years in bottle. However, with a high percentage of the softer Merlot grape, this is also a wine that will tempt you to drink it too soon! Enjoy it young by all means, but do try to keep a few bottles to try over the next couple of years - you won't be disappointed. The French press said of Château Rousselle: "A name to follow, an address to remember". We'll drink to that.

As a Partner at Château Rousselle your allocation of wine is:

• Côtes de Bourg 2007 (red)
  6,38€ per bottle (2008 price* exc. VAT)
  4 cases (48 bottles) maximum

Next option available: May 2009. Partners joining after April 1st in any year will receive their Option the following year.

*Guide price: 2009 prices to be confirmed summer 2008 

View our pricing policy