LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
Welcome to Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux AOC, a special French wine appellation in eastern Bordeaux! Every year, the region produces about 100,000 hectoliters of wine, which is roughly 9% of the whole Côtes de Bordeaux area's production. What makes its red wines stand out? Thanks to its main grape varieties, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the region is known for their bright, fruity flavours and smooth tannins.
Since 1935, this wine region has been making a name for itself. Spread across nine towns and covering 2,300 hectares, Castillon makes wines that hit just the right notes—they're fresh yet rich, making them popular with both casual wine drinkers and experts. Think of it as finding the perfect middle ground between simple pleasure and refined taste.
Castillon's winemaking history dates back centuries. Its proximity to Saint Emilion significantly influenced local wine production. Initially, Castillon's wines were referred to as "près Saint-Émilionnais," indicating their origin near Saint-Émilion. Achieving AOC status was a pivotal moment, allowing Castillon to showcase its unique wines.
Castillon is located just 45 kilometres east of Bordeaux, flanked by Saint-Émilion on one side and the Dordogne River on the other—quite impressive companions! This area boasts the same excellent growing conditions as its renowned neighbours. The scenery is stunning, with hills reaching heights of over 100 meters, forming ideal locations for grape cultivation.
Most vineyards sit around 100 meters high, where you get both maritime and continental weather influences. This means less chance of frost damaging the vines and plenty of sunlight for the grapes - just what they need to grow well.
The soil here is like a patchwork quilt. On the hills, you'll find clay-limestone, while near the river, it's a blend of sand, gravel, and clay. Each type of soil helps make the wine taste different.
The way the land and weather work together is fascinating. Merlot grapes love the clay-rich soil, which helps make smooth, easy-drinking wines. The Cabernet grapes do best in gravelly soil, making wines that can age well and have more structure.
Like many wine regions today, Castillon is dealing with climate change. Winemakers have to adapt to unpredictable rain and new challenges from plant diseases, but they're finding smart ways to cope.
Making wine is a competitive business, and Castillon has to work hard to stand out. But they have something special going for them - by focusing on what makes their wines unique and using earth-friendly practices, they're finding new fans around the world.
Castillon's future looks bright, especially when it comes to caring for the environment. Already, 25% of its vineyards are organic or biodynamic. The winemakers here are always looking for new ways to make better wine while caring for their land. They mix traditional knowledge with new ideas and technology to keep improving their work.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
Castillon has a charming landscape where gentle hills meet endless vineyards. Just 45 kilometres east of the Bordeaux city center, this special wine region has some of the highest vineyards, climbing over 100 meters high. These hills create perfect microclimates that help grapes like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon grow wonderfully well. With the Dordogne River flowing nearby and fresh air coming in from the Atlantic Ocean, the weather here helps make wines that taste just right—not too strong, not too light.
Within this renowned wine region, you will find many Bordeaux wine trails that offer a wide range of activities:
Castillon boasts a unique climate that contributes to its memorable wines. The nearby Atlantic Ocean, along with the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, creates ideal conditions for grape cultivation. Winters are mild, summers are warm, and sunshine graces the area for approximately 240 days each year. The terrain is not flat; it ascends to 127 meters in certain areas, leading to variations in weather conditions from one vineyard to another. These subtle differences enhance the complexity and intrigue of the wines.
The soil here is just as special as the weather. On the hillsides, you'll find a mix of clay and limestone - think of it as nature's perfect plant food and water system. Down in the lower areas, you'll find soil that's more sandy and gravelly, which helps water drain away nicely while keeping enough moisture for the vines. Here's something interesting: Castillon gets less rain than other parts of the Bordeaux wine region. This might not sound like a big deal, but it actually helps keep the vines healthy and makes the grapes better.
Are you wondering when to schedule your visit? The grape harvest period, from late September to mid-October, is among the best times to visit. During this time, you can observe the grape picking, interact with winemakers in their vineyards, and sense the excitement all around. The weather is delightful, too—warm during the day and cool at night—making it ideal for strolling through vineyards and enjoying outdoor wine tastings.
However, don't miss the spring season, which lasts from April to June. It’s when the vineyards come alive, showcasing a stunning display. New leaves sprout on the vines, and flowers blossom everywhere, creating a picturesque scene. Spring also offers a range of fun activities: wine tastings, tours of the vineyards, and festivals celebrating the start of the growing season.
Consider what you want to experience: in the fall, you witness the culmination of the growing season, where all the hard work culminates in ripe grapes. In the spring, you observe everything rejuvenating, filled with promise for the new season. Both times are unique and special in their own right.
Now, let's talk about what makes Castillon's wines so special. Here, you will not find sweet wine like in other Bordeaux regions. Instead, the heart of winemaking here is a wonderful mix of red grapes: Merlot makes up about 70%, Cabernet Franc adds 20%, and Cabernet Sauvignon brings in the final 10%. Some creative winemakers like to spice things up by adding a touch of Malbec, Carmenère, or Petit Verdot. When you smell these wines, you'll find lovely scents of ripe red berries, blackcurrants, and plums, along with gentle flower notes and a hint of spice. These wines are great to drink when they're young, but they also get even better with age.
What sets these wines apart from others is their combination of smooth, soft tannins and strength. The unique blend of clay and limestone soils, along with vineyards situated at varying elevations, contributes to their rich yet refined character. A sip reveals a silky texture, a well-rounded body, and just the right amount of freshness to entice you to return for another taste. Additionally, the climate plays a crucial role; warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to develop deep flavours while maintaining their freshness and vibrancy.
If you're thinking about visiting, you're in for a treat. The area is full of beautiful vineyards and lovely wine estates. You shouldn't miss places like Château de Pitray, Château d'Aiguilhe Querre, and Château Montlandrie. Each one shows you something different about how wine is made here. The beautiful countryside and rich history make exploring just as fun as tasting the wines.
Wine lovers can enjoy some of the best wine tastings in Bordeaux, which showcase everything from the vineyards where grapes grow to the cellars where wine ages. Throughout the year, special events like harvest festivals and wine fairs are held. These are great times to meet the people who make the wine, learn how they do it, and experience the friendly spirit of Castillon's wine community.
These wines go really well with food. Here are some perfect matches to try:
To really get the most out of your visit, why not stay right in this area? You can choose from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to fancy hotels surrounded by vineyards. Many wine estates even let you stay on their property, or they work with nearby places to offer special packages that include wine tasting and tours. It's the best way to fully experience the local way of life and enjoy everything the area has to offer.
The Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux AOC has three main grapes that make its red wines so special. Think of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon as a team where each member plays an important role. Together, they make wines that perfectly show what this region is all about.
While red grapes are clearly the stars in Castillon, white grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon are also grown here. These grapes are used to produce white wines, but they're more like supporting actors in a movie where the red grapes have all the main roles.
Now, let's talk about what makes Castillon's wines so special. Here, you will not find sweet wine like in other Bordeaux regions. Instead, the heart of winemaking here is a wonderful mix of red grapes: Merlot makes up about 70%, Cabernet Franc adds 20%, and Cabernet Sauvignon brings in the final 10%. Some creative winemakers like to spice things up by adding a touch of Malbec, Carmenère, or Petit Verdot. When you smell these wines, you'll find lovely scents of ripe red berries, blackcurrants, and plums, along with gentle flower notes and a hint of spice. These wines are great to drink when they're young, but they also get even better with age.
What sets these wines apart from others is their combination of smooth, soft tannins and strength. The unique blend of clay and limestone soils, along with vineyards situated at varying elevations, contributes to their rich yet refined character. A sip reveals a silky texture, a well-rounded body, and just the right amount of freshness to entice you to return for another taste. Additionally, the climate plays a crucial role; warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to develop deep flavours while maintaining their freshness and vibrancy.
If you're thinking about visiting, you're in for a treat. The area is full of beautiful vineyards and lovely wine estates. You shouldn't miss places like Château de Pitray, Château d'Aiguilhe Querre, and Château Montlandrie. Each one shows you something different about how wine is made here. The beautiful countryside and rich history make exploring just as fun as tasting the wines.
Wine lovers can enjoy some of the best wine tastings in Bordeaux, which showcase everything from the vineyards where grapes grow to the cellars where wine ages. Throughout the year, special events like harvest festivals and wine fairs are held. These are great times to meet the people who make the wine, learn how they do it, and experience the friendly spirit of Castillon's wine community.
These wines go really well with food. Here are some perfect matches to try:
To really get the most out of your visit, why not stay right in this area? You can choose from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to fancy hotels surrounded by vineyards. Many wine estates even let you stay on their property, or they work with nearby places to offer special packages that include wine tasting and tours. It's the best way to fully experience the local way of life and enjoy everything the area has to offer.
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