Tucked in between Bordeaux’s two famous rivers—the Dordogne and the Garonne—Entre-deux-Mers has been a white-wine-only appellation since its inception in 1937.
However, as of August 25 (2023), there’s been a (big) change, and Entre-deux-Mers is now approved for the production of red wines.
Grape varieties approved for use in the red wines of the Entre-deux-Mers AOC include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec (Cot), Cabernet Franc, and Petite Verdot. Carmenère is considered an “accessory variety” and is limited to a maximum of 30% of the final blend of any specific wine. In addition, the blend must consist of at least two grape varieties.
- Other regulations concerning Entre-deux-Mers Rouge include the following:
- Minimum of 12% abv
- Must undergo malolactic fermentation: maximum of 0.3 g/L malic acid
- Must be vinified dry: maximum of 3 g/L residual sugar
- Vines must also be planted at a minimum density of 4,500 vines per hectare (as compared to a minimum of 4,000 vines per hectare for [generic] Bordeaux AOC wines)
It is estimated that there are more than 5,700 hectares/14,000 acres of red grapes planted in the Entre-deux-Mers region that meet the density requirements. Red grapes grown in the remaining vineyards may continue to be made into wine that is bottled under the Bordeaux AOC or Bordeaux Supérieur AOC.
Note: as of the date of this post, the Entre-deux-Mers Haut Benauge sub-appellation is still approved for white wines only.
Welcome to the world, Entre-deux-Mers Rouge!
References/for more information:
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org