In music one often hears of the three B’s, off to the side of Bordeaux is another set of three B’s. The Cotes de Bourg, the Cotes de Blaye and Bergerac are productive wine districts on the wrong side of the Gironde (which encompasses Bordeaux).  These two areas were producing wines before the Medoc was even planted.  They are classic made wines known as Claret.  They unfortunately have been totally eclipsed by the Medoc and even the Bordeaux wines.

They are a full, round and fruity wine that are made to be aged, but seldom are they, as they are considered a “lesser” wine.  When the economy gets rough, one sees more of these wines and then they disappear when the economy gets stronger.

The Cotes de Blaye are white wines for the most part, the reds are Appelation Controlee Premieres Cotes de Blaye.  The Cotes de Bourg is known for their red wines

Bergerac is in the hinterlands of the Bordeaux region.  They are known for their production of red and white wines, including a dessert wine.  Some people refer to the Bergerac wines as “Vin de carafe” a step above table wines, but sometimes that is all one needs for a casual dinner or party.

These tend to priced very reasonably even in the restaurants when one can find them, and are a bargain at a wine shop that knows their value.