LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
Welcome to Cadillac AOC, a sweet French wine heaven within Bordeaux! While bigger regions might produce more wine, Cadillac's yearly output of 6,000 hectoliters speaks to its focus on quality over quantity. Each bottle reflects the area's unique terroir and rich wine heritage. Something to keep in mind is that this a different appellation than Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux AOC, which is located in the Côtes de Bordeaux region.
Cadillac is located between two rivers in the Entre-Deux-Mers area. It mainly uses grapes like Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle. The unique presence of noble rot, a natural phenomenon, is instrumental in producing its distinctive sweet wines.
Wine has been part of Cadillac's story since Bordeaux's early days. In 1973, Cadillac earned its AOC status because its vineyards were especially good at producing grapes affected by noble rot. This recognition put Cadillac firmly on the wine world's map.
Sitting along the Garonne River's north bank, 30 km away from Côtes de Bordeaux, the region benefits from perfect growing conditions. The river helps create ideal weather for the vines, while the rolling hills add to what makes these wines special.
The vineyards lie approximately 50 meters above sea level. The climate is ideal—mild winters, warm summers, and autumnal morning mists that promote the growth of noble rot. This process contributes to the production of wines with deep flavor profiles.
The soil here mixes clay-limestone and gravel, which is perfect for growing grapes. It helps drain water well and keeps the right amount of heat. The limestone in the soil gives the wines a clean, mineral taste that many people enjoy.
Sémillon grapes grow especially well here. Their thin skin works perfectly with the local weather to develop noble rot, creating wines that balance sweetness with fresh acidity.
Like many wine regions, Cadillac is facing climate change challenges. Winemakers must adapt how they grow their grapes, but they're finding smart ways to handle these changes.
While it's not always easy to compete with bigger wine regions, Cadillac's producers are finding new ways to share their wines with people who appreciate quality. They're working hard to show what makes their sweet wines special.
Today's Cadillac winemakers blend old and new methods. Many are moving toward organic farming, while others are trying new ways to make wine. They're keeping what works from tradition while adapting to what today's wine drinkers want.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
Take a look at the beautiful landscape of the Cadillac appellation, where neat rows of vines cover rolling hills and the Garonne River flows nearby. This special corner of Entre-Deux-Mers shows how nature and wine-growing work together perfectly. The mild weather, gentle slopes that catch the sun just right, and nearby waters all help create the perfect setting for making sweet wines.
The weather here in Cadillac has a special touch for making wine. Near the right bank of the Garonne River, mild winters and warm summers make the grapes happy. But the real magic happens in autumn, when the early morning humidity covers the vineyards like a blanket. This mist helps create noble rot, a natural process that makes Cadillac's sweet wines so special.
The soil also plays a role in these Bordeaux vineyards—a mix of clay-limestone, gravel, sand, and silt that drains water well and keeps the vines healthy. It's like all the pieces of a puzzle fitting together just right: the river, the weather, and the ground beneath all work together to help make these unique wines.
If you want to see the Cadillac region at its best, plan your trip for autumn - especially between September and November. This is harvest time when everyone's busy picking grapes and making wine. You can watch how they make these special wines and maybe even join in some of the work.
The weather's perfect for outdoor tastings and vineyard walks. Those misty mornings that help make the wine so good also make everything look beautiful. Plus, there are lots of harvest festivals where you can join the local celebrations and really understand what makes this place special.
Cadillac AOC's sweet wines tell a special story. They blend mainly Sémillon (70%) with Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle. Their golden colour and balance of sweetness and fresh taste catch your eye. Noble rot, a natural process that makes the wines more complex, makes them unique.
These wines find the sweet spot between rich and refreshing. They must have at least 51 grams of sugar per litre, but they're never too sweet. The winemakers pick their grapes late in the season when they're perfectly ripe. The morning mists from the rivers help noble rot develop naturally, which concentrates both sugars and flavours. While these wines taste great young, they also get better with age. So, if you want to discover wine that is versatile and truly unique, this AOC might be the best option for you.
Cadillac is the heart of this wine region, with old buildings and vineyards surrounding it. Nearby, Tabanac and Capian offer beautiful views of hills covered in vines.
Visiting these wineries is about more than just tasting wine. Many owners show you around their vineyards and explain how they make their wines. If you time it right, you might catch one of their harvest festivals or wine fairs.
The wines of this Bordeaux region work well with many foods:
You can find great places to stay near the vineyards. Choose between cozy bed-and-breakfasts or small, fancy hotels. Many offer special wine packages that include tours and tastings.
Cadillac's sweet wines are made from four traditional Bordeaux grape varieties: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle. Each type contributes something unique to these wines, which work together to create their distinctive taste.
Cadillac AOC's sweet wines tell a special story. They blend mainly Sémillon (70%) with Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle. Their golden colour and balance of sweetness and fresh taste catch your eye. Noble rot, a natural process that makes the wines more complex, makes them unique.
These wines find the sweet spot between rich and refreshing. They must have at least 51 grams of sugar per litre, but they're never too sweet. The winemakers pick their grapes late in the season when they're perfectly ripe. The morning mists from the rivers help noble rot develop naturally, which concentrates both sugars and flavours. While these wines taste great young, they also get better with age. So, if you want to discover wine that is versatile and truly unique, this AOC might be the best option for you.
Cadillac is the heart of this wine region, with old buildings and vineyards surrounding it. Nearby, Tabanac and Capian offer beautiful views of hills covered in vines.
Visiting these wineries is about more than just tasting wine. Many owners show you around their vineyards and explain how they make their wines. If you time it right, you might catch one of their harvest festivals or wine fairs.
The wines of this Bordeaux region work well with many foods:
You can find great places to stay near the vineyards. Choose between cozy bed-and-breakfasts or small, fancy hotels. Many offer special wine packages that include tours and tastings.
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