Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux AOC

Viticulture in Castillon dates to the 2nd century, when the Romans first cultivated vines here, and wines from the region were exported to England throughout the Middle Ages. For centuries they were sold simply as wines near Saint-Émilion, a label that acknowledged both proximity and quality. The area was formally structured in 1935 when a winegrowers' association was founded, and wines were later marketed as Bordeaux Supérieur Côtes de Castillon before the appellation received full AOC recognition in 1989 as Côtes de Castillon. In 2009, it was incorporated into the new Côtes de Bordeaux umbrella alongside Blaye, Cadillac, and Francs, becoming Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux.

• The name honours the Battle of Castillon in 1453, where French forces defeated the English in the concluding engagement of the Hundred Years' War, firmly returning Aquitaine to France
• Until the early 20th century, Castillon wines were commercially labelled as being 'near Saint-Émilion', reflecting both their geographic proximity and stylistic kinship
• The 1989 AOC designation as Côtes de Castillon was a turning point that formalised quality standards and encouraged investment in the vineyards
• The 2009 creation of the Côtes de Bordeaux grouping rebranded the appellation once more, aiming to improve collective marketing and consumer recognition

Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux occupies the eastern fringe of the Libournais, bordered by Saint-Émilion to the west and the Dordogne River to the south. The appellation's most prized terroir sits on the limestone plateau, which is the largest of its kind on Bordeaux's Right Bank and shares the same geology as the great Saint-Émilion estates just across the appellation boundary. Below the plateau, mid-slope soils transition to clay-limestone and clay, while sandy-gravel soils closer to the river produce lighter, more approachable styles. The elevation difference across the appellation exceeds 110 metres, creating meaningful variation in vine exposure and drainage.

• The limestone plateau is Castillon's most prestigious terroir, with soils virtually identical to those found beneath many Saint-Émilion Grand Cru estates
• Clay-rich soils act as a natural water reservoir, supporting even Merlot ripening during dry summers, though their moisture-retention also increases frost risk
• Sandy-gravel soils near the Dordogne River produce lighter, fruitier wines best enjoyed younger
• South-facing slopes with elevations reaching 110 metres at their peak provide optimal sun exposure and natural drainage for quality viticulture

Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux produces exclusively red wine. Merlot accounts for roughly 70% of plantings, thriving particularly on the clay and clay-limestone soils of the mid-slopes and plateau. Cabernet Franc, at around 20%, is the essential blending partner, adding aromatic complexity, fine-grained tannin structure, and freshness. Cabernet Sauvignon contributes approximately 10%, while small plantings of Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Carmenère are also permitted. The resulting wines range from approachable, fruit-forward styles to structured, age-worthy expressions from the best limestone plateau sites, where the terroir closely mirrors that of Saint-Émilion.

• Merlot dominates at roughly 70% of vineyard plantings, excelling on clay soils that retain moisture and support consistent ripening
• Cabernet Franc at around 20% adds violet aromatics, herbal freshness, and fine tannin, and is the focus of many quality-oriented producers seeking greater elegance
• Growers in Castillon typically pick up to a week later than their Saint-Émilion counterparts, allowing for fuller physiological ripeness
• Old vines averaging 50 years are found at many top estates, concentrating flavour and adding textural complexity to the wines

The appellation has attracted significant investment from both serious Castillon-focused estates and well-known Right Bank names. Château d'Aiguilhe, acquired by Count Stephan von Neipperg in 1998 and situated on clay-limestone slopes reaching 110 metres elevation, is widely regarded as a benchmark producer. Domaine de l'A, founded by renowned consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt and his wife Christine in 1999 in the commune of Sainte-Colombe, has become a reference point for the appellation's potential at the highest level. Gérard Perse of Château Pavie invested in Castillon via Clos Lunelles, acquired in 2001, while Château Cap de Faugères and Château Joanin Bécot are among other consistently praised names.

• Château d'Aiguilhe: owned by Count Stephan von Neipperg since 1998; planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc on clay-limestone soils; aged 15 to 18 months in French oak
• Domaine de l'A: founded 1999 by Stéphane and Christine Derenoncourt in Sainte-Colombe; 11 hectares of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc on tuffeau limestone; yields as low as 15 hl/ha
• Clos Lunelles: acquired by Gérard Perse in 2001 on the Sainte-Colombe plateau, the highest point of the appellation; aged in French oak for 18 to 24 months
• Château Joanin Bécot and Château Cap de Faugères are among other estates consistently cited for quality, with Saint-Émilion families recognising the value of Castillon's terroir

Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux AOC authorises only red wine production. The permitted red grape varieties are Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Carmenère, with Merlot overwhelmingly dominant in practice. There is no mandated minimum percentage for any single variety. The appellation's regulations are governed under the broader Côtes de Bordeaux AOC framework established formally in 2009, and the Castillon geographic designation has applied since that year. Grapes are grown, vinified, and aged within the 9 defined communes of the appellation in the Gironde department.

• Production is restricted exclusively to red wines; no rosé or white wines may be labelled under the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux designation
• All six classic Bordeaux red varieties are permitted: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Carmenère
• The nine permitted communes are Belvès-de-Castillon, Castillon-la-Bataille, Gardegan-et-Tourtirac, Les Salles-de-Castillon, Monbadon, Sainte-Colombe, Saint-Genès-de-Castillon, Saint-Magne-de-Castillon, and Saint-Philippe-d'Aiguilhe
• Quality-focused estates routinely harvest well below permitted maximums; Domaine de l'A, for example, targets yields as low as 15 hl/ha against the appellation ceiling

Castillon offers an accessible and far less crowded alternative to Saint-Émilion's popular wine circuit, located only around 10 kilometres to the east. The town of Castillon-la-Bataille serves as the practical hub for exploring the appellation, with its historical connection to the 1453 battle celebrated each summer with a spectacular outdoor show commemorating the event. The region's compact geography makes it easy to visit multiple estates in a single day. Many producers welcome visitors, and the proximity of the Dordogne River valley provides a scenic backdrop throughout the appellation.

• Castillon-la-Bataille hosts an annual summer spectacle re-enacting the famous 1453 battle, drawing visitors to the town's historical centre
• Château d'Aiguilhe, a 13th-century fortified estate on the high hillsides, offers an atmospheric visit combining heritage and wine education
• Saint-Émilion (approximately 10 km west) provides a wider range of accommodation, restaurants, and wine-related activities within easy reach of Castillon
• Around 25% of the appellation's vineyards are farmed organically or biodynamically, reflecting a strong sustainable viticulture culture that appeals to eco-conscious visitors