Bayle Carreau

Overlooking the Gironde estuary, the Blaye vineyard has an amazingly rich and varied terroir. The undulating countryside inland contrasts with the almost marine aspect of the estuary shore. Half-river, half-sea, the Gironde has had a pervasive influence on the region’s history. Nowadays, most of our vines are grown on the slopes along the estuary, though there are also vineyards on the plain and on high plateaus. Being mostly planted on these hillsides, the vines enjoy ideal exposure, guaranteeing a healthy and fully ripe crop.

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240 days of sunshine a year on average and the many geological movements of the past give each of the terroirs of the three districts that make up our appellation their own distinctive character.

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The soil around Blaye itself is mainly clay-limestone, formed from successive layers of sediments laid down the ocean millions of years ago.

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A rich terroir particularly well suited to Cabernet Franc and Malbec. It also brings out fruit characteristics of Merlot, the predominant variety of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux.

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The Greeks and then the Romans, settling in the region, were the first to discover its suitability for winegrowing and to start trading in wine.

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Vines were planted around Blaye well before they reached the Médoc, even though it is so close.
The reputation of Blaye wines soon reached Rome. Vineyards sprang up along the estuary shore, their owners taking advantage of an expanding and thriving overseas trade.