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Located in the Gironde, in the commune of Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, Bordeaux Families represents the heritage of a rich past. This estate showcases the combined know-how of several hundred families through top-quality wines. At Bordeaux Families, Sauvignon, Semillon and Muscadelle grapes are king.
When love and passion for wine unite!
The history of the Bordeaux Families estate is undoubtedly a testament to the power of union and cooperation. In response to a crisis in the early 1930s, 126 winegrowers agreed in 1934 to found the Cave Intercommunale de Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, the foundation of today’s estate. This crisis was due to two main factors: prohibition, which was in full swing in the United States, and the great economic crisis of 1929, which spread to all sectors of activity. More recently, Caves Louis Vallon and Sauveterre-Blasimon-Espiet joined the group, which changed its name to Bordeaux Families. This name alludes to the 300 families who now run the estate and, together, promote it far beyond the Gironde.
A unique vineyard and terroir
The Bordeaux Families estate covers almost 5,000 hectares of land. Most of the vineyards are located between the region’s two main rivers: the Garonne and the Dordogne. It’s here, in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers region, that Bordeaux Families fulfills its first mission: to produce and age wines. This region is a vast plateau dissected by numerous tributaries of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, creating a landscape of hills and valleys. This natural irrigation and the region’s mild, temperate climate are conducive to the production of sweet and dry white wines. These are great-tasting crus, driven by Sauvignon, Sémillon and Muscadelle grapes. For full-bodied, pleasant red wines, Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon grapes are generally combined. Centuries of know-how in this field are now associated with the train of innovation. In this way, the latest generation equipment is integrated into the production chain without affecting the quality of the wine-making process.
The Bordeaux Families estate aims to be closer to the land. With over 590 hectares of vineyards cultivated using organic and eco-responsible methods, and more than 1,000 hectares cultivated under the Terra Vitis label, Bordeaux Families takes concrete action to perpetuate a rich heritage and preserve a land that will serve future generations.
The wines
The various wines produced in the Bordeaux Families area, and more traditionally between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, do not yet benefit from a specific appellation. They are classified as Bordeaux or Bordeaux Supérieur appellations.
With nearly a hundred medals won in 2020 alone, Bordeaux Families is a master of winemaking. The Sauvignon Blanc variety produces intense, warm white wines. Lovable, full-bodied rosés are also produced from blends of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; the grape varieties are generally vinified separately. Complex red wines and full-bodied, sparkling Crémants also make this estate famous.
