Battle of the PDOs: Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux vs Lussac Saint-Emilion
Another battle of the Bordeaux appellations, with new participants who have what it takes to win over your palate! Let’s begin with Aude, a winegrower at Château Robin La Fleur, who flies the banner for the Lussac Saint-Emilion appellation. Meanwhile, Nea, a winegrower at Château Carsin, proudly dons the colors of the Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. A great game ahead which is sure to deliver on its promises… Let’s begin!
Warm-up activity: the terroirs have entered the field…
As its name suggests, Lussac Saint-Emilion is one of the four Saint-Emilion wine appellations (alongside Puisseguin Saint-Emilion, Saint-Emilion and Saint-Emilion Grand Cru). Its home turf is the Bordeaux right bank, near Libourne. Here, Lussac boasts 1, 450 hectares of magnificent vineyards planted on south-facing clay-limestone hillsides and limestone plateaux in the shape of an amphitheater. To top it all off, the vineyards benefit from wonderful biodiversity and a moderate oceanic climate, creating the perfect haven for growing vines…
But let’s not forget Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux! Its 1,100-hectare vineyard is firmly planted on slopes, on the right bank of the Garonne river. It blends perfectly into the magnificent landscape, featuring vast stretches of woods, meadows and hills overlooking the waterside. Here it benefits from optimal sunshine and a patchwork of stony gravel, clay-limestone and clay-gravel soils. Here too, the vines couldn’t ask for more!
1st half-time: the winegrowers are perfectly at ease on both sides
Lussac Saint-Emilion is home to human-sized estates, which are often family-owned. What do these 170 winegrowers have in common? Pride in their traditions, first and foremost, which they gladly enhance through innovations. Not forgetting a profound sense of hospitality, reflected in the many wine tourism experiences they offer. Speaking of which, during the Saint-Emilion open days on 4 and 5 May 2024, they will open up their cellar to visitors to showcase their work. A good time guaranteed!
In Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, small family-owned estates are being given a new impetus thanks to a new generation of winegrowers. That is the beauty of constant change! On this land strongly influenced by the estuary, good wine matters, of course, but so does getting together in a friendly atmosphere. This certainly explains why these winegrowers show a streak of audacity, just like their colorful, original and sometimes quirky bottles and labels…
2nd half-time: precision and respect come into play
What about the expertise behind Lussac Saint-Emilion wines? Here, they grow vines as they would a garden: they tend to them with great care, like rigorous craftsmen, to pass down perfectly preserved terroirs to future generations. The proof of these commitments? All wine estates are environmentally certified, whether via the HEV (level 2 or 3) or organic viticulture labels.
As for winegrowers in Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, they are real jacks of all trades! From winegrowing to winemaking, marketing and original communication campaigns, they are present on all fronts, including environmental initiatives, in which they invest in many ways: by converting to organic and biodynamic viticulture, obtaining Terra Vitis and Environmental Management System certification and launching collective hedge-planting programs, to name a few.
Time-outs: the red wines are ready to give it their all!
The final whistle is about to be blown… So, what is the result? Merlot is the playmaker of Lussac Saint-Emilion cuvées! Smooth and round, this grape variety relies on its winger to produce great blends: Cabernet Franc, full of freshness and complexity. The result is silky, elegant and fruity wines, perfect for laid-back get-togethers with family and friends.
For Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, red wines also fare well! This time, Merlot and Cabernet Franc have paired up with two other teammates: Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Cuvées from this appellation are fruity and complex, both ideal for cellaring and enjoyable young, during after-work drinks, while cooking or at a barbecue (to name just a few examples!).
You now know (almost) everything there is to know about today’s star Bordeaux PDOs: the ball is in your court to choose the right wine for your next meal. Looking for more inspiration? Join us for the Sauternes vs Moulis-en-Médoc battle, and visit our social media pages to discuss with the Bordeaux Crew!
