Definition: Bordeaux Supérieur AOC

Production area covers the entire Gironde department. Classified as a regional AOC, the area under production covers just over 9,000 hectares. White grape varieties: Merlot (maximum 15%), Muscadelle, Sauvignon and Sémillon; red grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Côt (or Malbec), Merlot and Petit Verdot. A very small quantity is vinified as white wine (just under 50 hectares) and most is vinified as red wine. The white can be kept for 2 to 4 years and the red for 8 to 10 years. Ideal serving temperature: between 8 and 10°C for the white, between 15 and 16°C for the red. The white should be enjoyed with snails, while the red pairs well with game or pâté en croûte, stuffed goose, Basque-style chicken or braised sweetbreads.