Cadillac, the epitome of sweetness
and authenticity
Elegant and delicious, Cadillac wines are real charmers. These golden-colored wines are full of soul and reflect a terroir where time, nature and human expertise combine to create extraordinary sweet white wines. They are a real crowd-pleaser!
What is the Cadillac wine region?
Key points to remember
- An appellation on a human scale with 22 estates spanning 28 hectares and 22 communes.
- A terroir nestled on the slopes of the Right Bank of the Garonne River in the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux region. Here, the river creates a mild and humid microclimate where morning fog gives way to sunny afternoons: the perfect duo for the development of Botrytis cinerea, aka “noble rot”. This microscopic fungus concentrates aromas and sugar in the berries – the essential prerequisite for producing fine sweet white wines.
- Ancient expertise combined with a “late” harvest. The grapes affected by noble rot are handpicked in several passes when over-ripe. The resulting wines are precise, meticulous… and incredibly delicious!
Why do people love Cadillac and its wines?
- Because they combine sweetness, elegance and aromatic richness with astonishing ease
- Because they know how to shine at the dinner table, whether paired with traditional or bolder dishes
- Because they are made by devoted winegrowers guided by passion and precision
- Because here, authenticity and sharing come as second nature
- Because behind each bottle lies neverending patience and expertise to reveal the magic of Botrytis cinerea
- Because the ecomuseum at Maison des Vins de Cadillac offers a fascinating insight into the history of this unique vineyard
What is the Cadillac style ?
These wines instantly stand out for their natural elegance and generous aromas without showing signs of excess.
An elegant balance that instantly reflects the Bordeaux terroir
Here, freshness and sweetness are in perfect harmony.
Cadillac wines win over with their golden-yellow color and subtle overtones of white fruit, acacia blossom, honeysuckle and citrus. They are lively, precise and elegant on the palate. Over time, they develop greater depth, revealing a lovely amber color with notes of honey and candied and baked fruit. They offer a more full-bodied texture and greater richness yet always remaining ethereal.
In other words, while these wines are clearly made for aging, they are still delicious in their youth.
See also: Grape varietiesWhich kind of wines can be found in Cadillac?
Sweet white wines, what else?
An undisputed star of the appellation, Sémillon adds depth, richness and roundness, with delicious nuances of honey, candied fruit and dried apricots. Sauvignon Blanc provides freshness, liveliness and lightness, with delicate notes of white flowers and citrus. Muscadelle, a lesser-known grape variety, bestows finesse alongside floral and musky overtones.
Fun Facts
Three fun facts you need to know about Cadillac
Yes, this appellation still holds many secrets…
1.
Originally from the area, Antoine de Lamothe-Cadillac, born Antoine Laumet, was an eminent French explorer and officer. Across the Atlantic, he founded the Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit in 1701, which became the heart of the future American city of the same name. “Cadillac” thus became a symbol of adventure and prestige, which later inspired the name of the famous car brand!
2.
Another son of the soil left his mark: Cadillac MP Joseph Capus played a key role in the creation of the INAO (National Institute of Origin and Quality), the cradle of the PDO system.
3.
In addition to its outstanding vineyards, the area is home to many architectural treasures. Among them, the village of Verdelais, Château Ducal de Cadillac and Château de Langoiran – one of the largest castles in the region.
Let’s talk about the soil
Cadillac vines flourish on slopes with clay-limestone or gravelly soils, making for a real winning combination!
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The clay-limestone soils retain moisture and add minerality and roundness, while gravelly soils ensure perfect drainage and release heat from the sun’s rays to produce grapes at optimum ripeness and concentration. The result is rich, elegant and characterful sweet white wines.
Let’s travel back in time
While vines have been grown here for a long time, it wasn’t until the 17th century that Cadillac began to truly make a name for itself, thanks to the Dutch! These big fans of golden-colored wines helped to boost local production. Alongside this flourishing trade, decisive technical innovations were developed, such as barrel and bottle aging using a sulfur stick.
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Then phylloxera arrived and with it, an unprecedented crisis in the vineyards. Fortunately, the creation of the Cadillac agricultural association in 1884 significantly helped to restore the vineyards and modernize winegrowing techniques. In 1919, 24 communes were awarded the title of “Fine Right Bank wines”, laying the foundations for future appellations in the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux region.
The Cadillac PDO was officially recognized in 1937 and later consolidated in 1973. A lovely celebration of the quality and distinctive characteristics of its wines, which still rank among the greatest Bordeaux sweet white wines.
