The turbulent history of Castillon is intimately linked to that of France. It became a true port town in the Middle Ages. Work was undertaken to build a fortress on the banks of the Dordogne. In 1453, the final battle of the Hundred Years' War — putting an end to English domination after 300 years of rule — took place at Castillon. It marked the death of the famous General Talbot and the reconquest of Aquitaine by Charles VII. Thus, Castillon remains the symbol of the end of the English presence, which had nonetheless greatly contributed to the emancipation of the Bordeaux wine trade. We can still admire today the châteaux, manor houses and fortresses, vestiges of the region's cultural heritage, built over the centuries and witnesses to this great political, commercial and emotional history.
Located 45 kilometres east of Bordeaux, the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation is an extraordinary terroir between Saint-Émilion and the Dordogne. It extends over 2,500 hectares divided into nine communes. A great diversity of landscapes is found here. A harmonious panorama that oscillates between woods, copses, valleys, hills and vines. To the north, soils are composed of modern alluvium, thanks to the proximity of the Dordogne. The hillsides present predominantly clay-limestone or marly soils — limestone identical to that of its illustrious neighbour Saint-Émilion, of which it closes the famous limestone seam from a geological standpoint. Finally, the majority of the region benefits from sandy-gravelly or clayey soils.
The climate is oceanic with a continental tendency. Temperate, mild and humid in character, it reveals the great viticultural and oenological potential of the soils. In order to highlight the richness of the region, a soil study has been put in place. The appellation therefore requires the digging of pedological pits to establish analyses that will allow the soil map to be drawn. This will then be used as the basis for viticultural recommendations for each type of soil — an action that fits perfectly into the logic of valorising the terroir of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux.
The region's encépagement is composed of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Together, these grape varieties bring roundness and softness to the wines. A genuine quest for quality and typicity is felt in the wines produced. Made with great humility and thoughtfulness, the wines of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux also show modernity with a delicate touch of originality. Different, authentic and generous, they seduce with their fruitiness, power and flavour. A broad aromatic palette that also corresponds to the tastes and expectations of everyone.
The geological and geographical proximity to Saint-Émilion is one of Castillon's major assets. The similar limestone soils allow producers in the zone to craft wines of great quality, often compared to their illustrious neighbour, but at considerably more accessible prices. For importers and wine merchants seeking quality Bordeaux wines at good value, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux represents a safe choice and a discovery always appreciated by discerning enthusiasts.
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