Cotes de Castillon

 

This appellation covers around 3.000 ha of vineyards most of which stretches along both banks of the Dordogne. It became independent from the larger Bordeaux AC in 1989. It is a well priced appellation that bases it's wines on the Merlot grape. Alluvial soil close to the riverbed and limestone-clay soil on the higher grounds and more inland makes for a mixed soil structure. It's wines have a better structure and concentration than those of the Bordeaux AC but they are for early drinking. Minimum vineyard density is set to 5.000 vines/ha. Castillon la Bataille is a nearby historic town.