The AOC Entre-deux-Mers was traditionally known as a white wine-producing region located between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. However, a regulatory change in August 2023 now permits the production of red wine as well.
In the early days of the AOC Entre-deux-Mers, there were no specific regulations on sweetness levels, and many wines were semi-sweet. However, due to increasing demand for dry white wine, the designation was eventually restricted to dry wines only.
Haut-Benauge is an area in the central-southern part of Entre-deux-Mers. Under the AOC Entre-deux-Mers, only dry white wines can be produced. However, under the AOC Bordeaux designation, semi-dry to sweet white wines can also be sold under the Haut-Benauge name.
The name Haut-Benauge originates from the Château de Benauge, a castle that no longer exists.