In Southwest France, adjacent to Entre-Deux-Mers, Côtes de Duras extends to the east from the western border of the Gironde Department border. One may find that Côtes de Duras is not just a geographical extension of Bordeaux as it shares much of its character as well.

The region has just slightly more extreme weather than its better-known neighbor due to its more continental climate. Côtes de Duras produces wines from the many of the same grapes as Bordeaux plus a few others- Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Mauzac, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec. There are some incredible values to be found here, especially in Sauvignon Blanc based whites.

Try the bordeaux-esque reds with roast beef. The drier, fresher whites are divine with smoked salmon mousse. (Wine/Appellations)