Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux or Côtes de Bordeaux are the new appellations granted specifically since November 1, 2009 to red wines from the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. The latter has not disappeared, but remains reserved for sweet and syrupy white wines produced in the region. The Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux vineyards stretch along a 60 km strip on the right bank of the Garonne, from Bordeaux to Langon upstream.

With generous sunshine and clay-limestone or clay-gravel soils, the Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux appellation benefits from remarkable natural factors. Well drained by the natural slope, the soils contain fine elements, such as silty clay, in the lower parts and coarser elements, pebbles and gravel, as they climb the hills. The 3,450 hectares of vineyards in Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux produce nearly 180,000 hectoliters of red wine.

The blend is dominated by Merlot, which brings roundness, richness, and pleasantness to the wine, even when young. This grape variety is combined with Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives spicy flavors and good tannic support, Cabernet Franc, for its finesse and delicate nose, and, in small proportions, Malbec, which brings suppleness, lightness, and a touch of originality. Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux wines have a dense purple color verging on black. Naturally fruity, these wines are best enjoyed when young. However, their tannic structure allows them to age well. Over time, Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux wines develop tertiary aromas, such as venison, mocha, and leather.