Barsac - Definition and Overview

Barsac is a town and commune on the left bank of the Garonne river in the Gironde département in south west France.

Wine

The town gives its name to a wine making appellation, known for its sweet white wines that are generally accepted to be among the finest in the world.

The town and its vineyards are separated from the more famous area of Sauternes to the south by the Ciron river, whose cooling effect is of key importance in encouraging the annual action of the botrytis fungus on the Sémillon grapes. The area is marginally flatter than its celebrated neighbor and its wines are considered to be marginally lighter. The area is however permitted to use the Sauternes appellation.

The most famous producers from the area include the First Growths Château Climens, and Château Coutet.