Photo: Henry Salomé, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bordeaux · Sub-regions
Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire
The small white-wine appellation on the right bank of the Garonne south-east of Langon: the medieval town of Saint-Macaire, dry and semi-sweet Sémillon whites from limestone slopes.
Grape Varieties
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc
Muscadelle, Merlot
Most Famous Site
Saint-Macaire
Vineyard Area
50 ha
Harvest
September – October
TERROIR PROFILE · Bordeaux
Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire Limestone slopes on the right bank of the Garonne
Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire: a white-wine miniature with a medieval backdrop.
SOILS
Limestoneprecise, mineral
Limestone delivers tension, structure and a cooler, more mineral character.
Loambody-rich, velvety
Loamy soils give wines volume and a soft, velvety mouthfeel.
CLIMATE · Maritime
The vines face full south while night fog rises from the Garonne. This contrast encourages noble rot, especially in very hot years.
TOPOGRAPHY · moderate
Slopes on the right bank of the Garonne southeast of Cadillac at the southern edge of the Entre-Deux-Mers, opposite Sauternes and Barsac; the medieval town of Saint-Macaire is at the centre.
WHAT IT MEANS IN THE GLASS
Typical Flavours of the Region
Sémillon
WhiteSauvignon Blanc
WhiteMuscadelle
WhiteMerlot
RedRegion aroma cloud
Bordeaux overview
This sub-region is part of Bordeaux. The map shows all 23 sub-regions — Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire is highlighted.
Overview
Typical Varieties
Terroir & Climate
Wine Character
Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire is a small appellation on the right bank of the Garonne in the Gironde département, south-east of Langon and upstream from Bordeaux. It takes its name from the medieval town of Saint-Macaire with its ramparts and old town; the vineyards are spread across several surrounding communes on the edge of the Entre-Deux-Mers. It is one of the smallest appellations of the region.
The vineyards lie on slopes above the Garonne on limestone and clay. The oceanic climate is mild and humid; autumn mists from the Garonne valley encourage noble rot in some years. The limestone base gives the wines freshness and structure.
The appellation is permitted for white wines only. The main variety is Sémillon, supplemented by Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Dry, off-dry and sweet wines are made. Reds from the area, usually Merlot-based, are sold under the Bordeaux or Bordeaux Supérieur appellations.
Soil Type
Limestone, clay
Climate
Oceanic, mild and humid; autumn mists from the Garonne valley encourage noble rot in some years.
Top profiles
1 detailed profiles — all filterable in the list below
All Wineries
3 resultsEvents in Bordeaux
All events in Bordeaux →12 Dec – Sun, 13 December 2026
Bordeaux Tasting
Tasting · Bordeaux
19 Feb – Mon, 22 February 2027
Salon des Vins des Vignerons Indépendants Strasbourg
Wine fair · Straßburg
12 Mar – Sun, 14 March 2027
Salon des Vins des Vignerons Indépendants Bordeaux
Wine fair · Bordeaux
19 Apr – Thu, 22 April 2027
Semaine des Primeurs Bordeaux
Trade event · Bordeaux
1 May – Sun, 2 May 2027
Portes Ouvertes en Saint-Émilion
Open cellar · Saint-Émilion
Thu, 24 June 2027
Fête de la Fleur
Wine dinner · Bordeaux
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire?
The small appellation lies on the right bank of the Garonne south-east of Langon. It is named after the medieval town of Saint-Macaire with its town wall and old town.
Which wines are permitted in Saint-Macaire?
The appellation is permitted for white wines only, mainly from Sémillon with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Dry, off-dry and sweet wines are made.
What is the climate like in Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire?
The climate in Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire is oceanic, mild and humid. Autumn fog from the Garonne valley favours noble rot in some years. The harvest runs from September to October.
Which grape varieties define Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire?
The key grape varieties in Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire are Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle and Merlot. The best-known vineyard is Saint-Macaire.
When is the best time to visit Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire for wine?
The harvest in Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire takes place September – October – when vineyards and cellars are busiest. May to July suits tastings without harvest bustle; many estates open their tasting rooms off-season by appointment.
How many wineries are there in Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire?
Cellarmap lists 3 wineries in Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire across roughly 50 hectares of vines. Every profile shows location, contact, grape varieties and, where available, vineyards, classification and visitor information.
All wineries in Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire, A to Z
- Boutique de la coopérative · Saint-Pierre-d'Aurillac
- Cave de Saint-Pierre d'Aurillac · Saint-Pierre-d'Aurillac
- Château Lamery · Saint-Pierre-d'Aurillac
📖 Look up in glossary
All terms →Related wine terms — clearly explained in the Cellarmap glossary.