This time we explore the hidden gems of  Bordeaux -- the Côtes de Bordeaux -- which make superb wines that few people know about. With an easy-drinking style, the Côtes de Bordeaux are the hidden, affordable wines of Bordeaux. These historic vineyards are a collection of AOCs around eastern Bordeaux on sunny hillside slopes that grow a majority of Merlot and have similar soil types. These are not second or bulk wines – rather family-owned, often sustainable wines that are always a good value for money.   This group of appellations under the marketing umbrella of Côtes de Bordeaux covers 9 - 10% of the total production of Bordeaux.     Faced with lots of competition from the named communes of Bordeaux (Pomerol, Saint-Émilion, etc), and the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur AOCs, efforts started in 2004 to create the Union des Côtes de Bordeaux (UCB) to create a collective “brand” of recognition: the AOC Côtes de Bordeaux with 6 terroir: Côtes de Bordeaux - umbrella appellation Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux Francs Côtes de Bordeaux Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux· Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux (joined in 2016) Map: Côtes de Bordeaux     In 2009, the AOC “Côtes de Bordeaux” went into effect. They must all use the logo below on the bottle to reinforce the association:    This is the wine we were drinking... I hope this opens your eyes to some new, fantastic, affordable Bordeaux wines! Take a listen and put this to use -- there is a lot of goodness to discover here (and it won't hurt your wallet)!      Full show notes are on Patreon. Become a member today! www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople   _______________________________________________________________ Wine Access  is my go-to source for the best selection of interesting, outstanding quality wines you can’t find locally. Make sure you join the Wine Access-Wine For Normal People wine club in time for the first quarter shipment (it's shaping up to be outstanding!).  Get 10% your first order with my special URL.    To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes Sources: http://www.bordeaux-cotes.com/en/home/ https://www.vin-blaye.com https://www.cadillaccotesdebordeaux.com http://www.castillon-cotesdebordeaux.com/en/ "Inside Bordeaux" Jane Anson,