Blaye is an historic town, about 20 miles (32km) to the north of Bordeaux city, occupying the northern end of the Bordeaux wine region's 'right bank'. Slightly higher, and hillier, than the landscapes just across the Gironde, Blaye and its vineyards lend a picturesque element to Bordeaux's landscapes.
There are three Blaye appellations: Blaye, Cotes de Blaye and Premieres Cotes de Blaye -all created in 1936 and revised in the 1990s.
AOC Blaye wines can be red or white. Reds must be made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot. White wines labeled AOC Blaye must be made principally from Ugni Blanc (90-100% of the blend), accompanied by Semillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc, or Chenin Blanc (permitted until 2025).
AOC Cotes de Blaye is an appellation specifically for white wines. Colombard must make up between 60% and 90% of the total blend, accompanied by Semillon, Muscadelle or Sauvignon Blanc.
AOC Premieres Cotes de Blaye covers both red and white wines. Reds must be made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, while whites must be made principally from Semillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc. Merlot Blanc, Colombard, Ugni Blanc are also permitted in small quantities. Premieres Cotes de Blaye wines now fall under the Cotes de Bordeaux appellation created in 2009.
For each of these appellations, the vines must be planted at a density of more than 4,500 per hectare, separated by 0.9 meters or 0.7 meters depending on the method of vine training. There are also stipulations on the quantity of wine produced per hectare of vineyard – 50 hectoliters per hectare for red and 60 hectoliters per hectare for white.
Although Blaye has been producing wines for far longer than its more prestigious cousins to the south and west, it fell victim long ago to the harsh facts of commercialism. The area's particular position on the Gironde estuary leads its shores to silt up heavily, which made access difficult for trading ships: Bordeaux's glory as a whole has risen and fallen on the health of its exports, subject to both geographical and political factors.
Despite a certain lack of limelight, Blaye has adapted to changing consumer trends. In the early 20th century, Ugni Blanc was Blaye's most widely planted variety (grown for distillation), whereas the area's more modern, full-bodied red wines are now gaining recognition, and satisfying the market for affordable, quality Bordeaux wine.
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