The Côtes de Bordeaux is a single AOC created in 2009. This entity acts as a common name for the Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon and Francs appellations. It thus valorises the personality of each terroir under a single banner. As a whole, it is characterised by a magnificent landscape of sun-drenched hillsides on the right bank of the Garonne. Its architectural and historical heritage is exceptional and enriches these varied landscapes, which bear witness to several centuries of agricultural and trading activity.
The territory extends from the Gironde estuary to the borders of the Dordogne. The soils, predominantly gravelly and clay-limestone, constitute the preferred terroir for the classic grape varieties of the Bordeaux vineyard. For red wines, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec are found here. White wines are composed of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. These appellations brilliantly combine tradition and modernity, thanks to centuries of accumulated artisanal expertise.
The appellation — which saw vine cultivation appear during the Roman occupation — has a thousand-year-old viticultural history. From the commune of Bassens, at the gates of Bordeaux, to Saint-Maixant, Cadillac runs along the right bank of the Garonne for some sixty kilometres. It is a landscape of hills interspersed with valleys. The steep, stony terrain is naturally drained. It is composed of gravel, clay and limestone. Wines are produced here in keeping with the purest Bordeaux tradition.
The production is known for its elegant, fleshy and silky wines. On the nose, fragrances of red fruits and spices emerge. The palate is generally supple and round, with beautiful finesse. Cadillac is also renowned for its medium-sweet whites, sold under the Cadillac Premières Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. They benefit from an original palette, oscillating between notes of acacia, vanilla and fresh fruits.
The name Francs dates back to very ancient times. In 507, Clovis — first king of the Franks — defeated Alaric II — king of the Visigoths — and seized Aquitaine. A detachment of the army then settled in Franque, a name that would remain and become Francs over the centuries. The region has a magnificent heritage to visit, such as the famous Château de Francs which dominates it. The vestiges of past centuries and several Romanesque churches are greatly admired here.
Red and white wines are produced from the classic grape varieties of Bordeaux. Elegant and refined, they are characterised by their generosity. The Francs Côtes de Bordeaux appellation is one of the most confidential in the Bordeaux vineyard, making it a privileged discovery zone for enthusiasts seeking authenticity and wines with an excellent quality-to-price ratio.
Supported by the global reputation of the Bordeaux name, the Côtes de Bordeaux benefit from growing visibility on international markets. Specialist importers and wine merchants find here wines of character at accessible prices, ideal for building a complete and diversified Bordeaux offering without limiting themselves to the classified growths alone.
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