Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux, authentic wines perfect for sharing
Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux is where history and generous terroirs combine with a deep-rooted passion for winegrowing. Here, we love to live, share, welcome… and introduce people to a wide variety of wines that have very much to say.
What is the Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux wine region? ?
Key points to remember
- The appellation is made up of 2,300 hectares of vines, 9 communes, and nearly 200 winegrowing families.
- Located 45 kilometers east of Bordeaux, this terroir sits atop a limestone plateau and gives pride of place to a variety of soils, including gravelly sand, clay, and limestone. This unique environment, nestled close to the Dordogne River, is blessed with a temperate oceanic climate with continental influences.
- A region where history and winegrowing heritage go hand in hand, dotted with medieval castles, Romanesque churches, mills, and other gems of French history.
Why do people love Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux and its wines?
- Because it witnessed a turning point in French history (read on to find out more!)
- Because it is one of the Bordeaux champions of organic viticulture, with 80% of its vineyards environmentally-certified
- Because its lively and authentic wines are a tribute to the generous and passionate work of those who make them
- Because there is a wine to suit every palate thanks to its delicious, high-quality cuvées boasting endless flavors
- Because its family-owned estates on a human scale (10 hectares on average) are brimming with hospitality
- Because its Maison du Vin is always happy to help you discover the surrounding area at your leisure
What is the Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux style?
Aromatic intensity is their trademark
From the outset, it is clear that red and black fruit take center stage, with a hint of spice or a touch of oak depending on the wine. They fall into three main profiles:
- Refreshing and perfect for sharing: crunchy fruit, a smooth palate and ready to drink.
- Delicious and seductive: a fine balance between fruity freshness and hints of ageing (especially spices and vanilla).
- Powerful and surprising: often made from old vines, assertive wines perfect for ageing.
In short, a variety of cuvées that can be enjoyed immediately or cellared for years to come.
Pour les aficionados que vous êtes : Les cépagesWhich kind of wines can be found in Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux ?
Quintessential red wines !
They are made from three grape varieties: iconic Merlot (which accounts for 75% of the area under vine), Cabernet Franc (14%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (8%). Together, they produce wines that are refreshing, elegant and well-structured, capable of shining both at the dinner table and during an impromptu aperitif.
For enthusiasts like yourselves : Comment garder un vin ?
Fun Facts
Three fun facts you need to know about Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux
Three fun facts you need to know about Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux
1.
Castillon owes its name to the Battle of Castillon in 1453, France’s victory over the English in the concluding battle of the Hundred Years’ War. Every summer, a spectacular show commemorates this momentous historical event in an atmosphere of knightly splendor.
2.
Castillon is home to the largest limestone plateau on the Right Bank of Bordeaux- quite the accolade…
3.
Castillon was the first Bordeaux appellation to install a wine effluent treatment plant in the early 2000s – proof once again of its pioneering role in nature conservation.
Let’s talk about the soil:
With an elevation difference of over 110 meters, Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux PDO brings together three main terroirs, which make all the difference.
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Close to the Dordogne River, sandy-gravel soils are perfect for growing light and fruity wines. Clay, at the base of the slopes, provides freshness. Higher up on the limestone plateau, the soils offer greater finesse and depth. This winning trio allows the grape varieties to fully express themselves.
Let’s travel back in time:
In Castillon, winegrowing has a long history and was already present in the 2nd century, courtesy of the Romans. Its famous wines have been exported to England since the Middle Ages.
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Until the early 20th century, they were sold under the name “Près Saint-Emilion” – a nod to their proximity to their famous neighbors, both in terms of location and quality.
In 1935, the winegrowers’ association was founded, which helped to structure the industry. They then adopted the name “Bordeaux Supérieur Côtes de Castillon”, before it was changed to “Côtes de Castillon” when the PDO was created in 1988. In 2008, Castillon entered the “Côtes de Bordeaux” appellation, alongside Blaye, Cadillac, Francs and Sainte-Foy, which was the latest to join in 2016.
Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux wines win over tasters with their authenticity, unique terroir and local history, which they always express with great passion.
