Appellation

Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux

カディヤック・コート・ド・ボルドー

Merlot-led right-bank Bordeaux reds; value-driven, fruit-forward and river-cooled

Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux is a red-wine-only AOC situated along the right bank of the Garonne River in the Entre-Deux-Mers zone, southeast of Bordeaux. Stretching 60 km long and 5 km wide across 39 communes, its clay-limestone slopes and gravelly rises overlook the Garonne and benefit from excellent sun exposure. Until 2009 the zone's red wines were labelled Premières Côtes de Bordeaux; that vintage the broader Côtes de Bordeaux reform renamed them Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux while reserving the Cadillac AOC name for sweet whites. The blend is led by Merlot (~55%), backed by Cabernet Sauvignon (~25%), Cabernet Franc (~15%), and small amounts of Malbec. The result is generous, fruit-forward reds marked by aromas of cherry, plum, blackcurrant, and hints of graphite and liquorice — wines that drink well young but can also age gracefully thanks to Cabernet Sauvignon's firm tannin structure.

Best for: Approachable everyday Bordeaux reds with genuine terroir character at an accessible price

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Producers

Food Pairings

Grilled and roasted red meats (lamb, beef), poultry dishes, mushroom-based pastas and risottos, root vegetable gratins, semi-hard cheeses, and dark-chocolate desserts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux a red or white wine?
It is exclusively red. The 2009 AOC reform split the former Premières Côtes de Bordeaux: red wines became Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux, while the Cadillac AOC name was reserved for sweet white (botrytised) wines.
What grape varieties are used?
Merlot dominates at roughly 55%, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (~25%), Cabernet Franc (~15%), and Malbec (~5%). Small amounts of Petit Verdot and Carménère are also permitted.
When should I drink these wines?
They are enjoyable young (2–5 years) thanks to Merlot's ripe fruit, but the Cabernet Sauvignon structure allows top cuvées to age well for 8–10+ years. Serve at 15–17 °C.
How does Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux differ from other Côtes de Bordeaux?
It sits on the right bank of the Garonne south of Bordeaux, occupying warmer, clay-heavy soils that give the wines a rounder, plushier texture compared to the sandier Blaye Côtes or the limestone-dominant Castillon Côtes.
Are these wines good value?
Yes. With 230 independent growers and one cooperative across 2,200 ha of prime riverside terroir, the appellation produces quality-driven reds at accessible prices, often compared favourably to entry-level Saint-Émilion.