Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

• Merlot: Dominant grape with ripe plum and black cherry flavors; smooth tannins form the core of most blends.
• Cabernet Franc: Adds structure, fresh acidity, and floral notes like violet, with red fruit flavors such as raspberry.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Contributes firm tannins, dark berry flavors like cassis, and herbal notes in smaller amounts.
• Malbec & Petit Verdot: Occasionally used for extra color, spice, and complexity.
• Wine Style: Exclusively red, medium- to full-bodied blends with intense dark fruit flavors, scents of plum, cassis, and violet; hints of tobacco or leather. Oak aging adds vanilla or spice. The finest balance ripe fruit with moderate acidity and refined tannins, aging beautifully for a decade or more.

The Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux region has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, providing warm summers and plenty of rain. This helps the vineyards, especially those on well-placed slopes, get lots of sunshine, which aids in the steady ripening of grapes.

The terrain ranges from gravelly alluvial and clay soils near the Dordogne River to clay-limestone on the slopes, with pure limestone on the plateau. This varied soil makeup is vital for the wine's structure, giving them freshness and a unique mineral quality.

Rolling hills improve drainage and air circulation, creating different microclimates. These conditions, along with the region's special soil profile, help produce Merlot-focused blends known for their depth, structure, and ability to age well, while keeping their freshness and complexity.

In the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux region, small family-owned wineries thrive, each offering a unique expression of the area's rich history and terroir. Here are a few standouts:

• Château Pillebois: Known for its Merlot-rich blends that capture the limestone-rich essence of the region with elegance and depth.
• Château La Brande: This estate is celebrated for its commitment to organic practices, producing wines with vibrant fruit and refined structure.
• Château de Pitray: One of the oldest estates in the region, renowned for its well-balanced wines that offer a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

These wineries showcase the diversity and quality of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, each contributing to the region's reputation for producing wines of character and finesse.

The Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux region champions sustainable wine practices, harmonizing tradition with ecological care. A long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship includes a shared system for managing winery wastewater, underscoring a community effort to preserve natural resources.

Supporting biodiversity is another hallmark of the region, with many farmers maintaining natural cover crops and wooded areas between their plots. This practice fosters a balance between vineyards and surrounding forests, enriching the ecosystem and enhancing the terroir's expression in wines.

Embracing organic and biodynamic principles, an increasing number of estates are certified as organic, implementing cover-cropping, reduced tillage, and integrated pest management. These methods ensure the health of the soil and vines, contributing to the production of Merlot-focused wines that are not only rich in flavor but also gentle on the Earth.

Wine tourism in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux region offers a rich tapestry of experiences, seamlessly blending history, culture, and viticulture. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, like the site of the 1453 Battle of Castillon, providing a cultural backdrop to vineyard exploration.

• Family-Owned Domaines: Engage in personalized tastings and vineyard tours, often available by appointment, showcasing the unique terroir.
• Scenic Trails: Meander through hillside vineyards along marked trails, offering picturesque views from limestone ridges.
• Local Cuisine and Events: Savor Castillon wines paired with regional dishes at local fairs. Nearby restaurants feature Aquitaine specialties, enhancing the wine-tasting experience.

This region's commitment to sustainable practices and its rich winemaking tradition make it a compelling destination for those interested in the art and science of wine.