Cadillac Wine Region

The Cadillac wine region was established in 1973 and is located within the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux region, France. A little medieval town thirty kilometres south of Bordeaux, it derives its name from the region's reputation for the production of sweet, botrytized wines. Being exclusively white, Cadillac wine is appreciated by many wine connoisseurs.

Check out wine tasting & tours in Cadillac!

Where is Cadillac Wine Region?

Cadillac AOC is located in the heart of Entre-deux-Mers, Gironde, about thirty kilometres south of Bordeaux.  The wine appellations nearby are Loupiac, Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux and Côtes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire.

Unique terroir of Cadillac wine appellation

The Cadillac wine region's situation, on the north bank of the Garonne River and close to several other river systems, is essential to its greatness.  The appellation represents about 180 hectares and 60 producers. Cadillac AOC’s terroir is able to produce sweet wines that are steeped in character, thanks to its favorable oceanic climate and lime-rich, gravelly soils, a sunny, south-facing aspect, and steep slopes.

Sandy soils are beneficial to vineyards as they hold heat and drain effectively, resulting in extremely aromatic wines. Meanwhile, the gravel in the clay soil improves drainage, which contributes to the creation of finely balanced Cadillac wine.

The climate here is characterized by early morning humidity and mist, which creates ideal circumstances for the development of Botrytis Cinerea (noble rot). This minuscule fungus promotes the natural concentration of sugar and flavour components in grapes, and so plays a vital role in the making of sweet, dessert wines.

Cadillac Wine Characteristics

Grape varieties used in Cadillac wine appellation are: Sémillon, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris.

The territory of the appellation is planted with traditional Bordeaux grape varieties. Sémillon occupies 70% of the territory. A grape variety with a potentially high sugar concentration, it has a thin skin that allows the Botrytis cinerea fungus to develop and cause noble rot. 20% of the used Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris grapes give the wine a touch of liveliness, and 10% of Muscadelle adds a touch of complexity.

The Cadillac wine can be tasted between 8 and 10 °C and its colour has golden yellow and topaz hues, over time it darkens and approaches amber. Each vintage develops particular scents, on the nose can be found notes of honey, acacia, honeysuckle, vanilla, citrus, apricot. On the palate, it is fruity and vivid when young, and as it ages it gains more creaminess and body.

Food to Pair with Cadillac wine

It's hard to go wrong with a glass of Cadillac wine with a white meat, chicken, fish or Asian dish, and it pairs especially nicely with blue cheese. Desserts like chocolate, fruit tarts, sorbet ices, and fresh fruit salad will all benefit from the addition of these ingredients. However, our team has prepared some food ideas for your best food to pair with Cadillac wines.

 1. Salade de Chêvre Chaud

Warm Goat's Cheese Salad is a traditional starter served in French bistros. Salade de Chêvre Chaud is a fresh leaf salad topped with pan-fried goat's cheese medallions that are golden on the surface and melting on the inside.

This salad is unique not only by its ingredients. The combination between cold, luscious salad veggies and heated, molten-centered goat's cheese is wonderfully delicious.

2. Foie gras poêlé

Pan-seared foie gras is a simple but exquisite French dish that is often served on special occasions. It's made with a thick slice of foie gras that's been seared briefly, preferably on duck fat, and then seasoned simply with salt and pepper.

Places to visit in Cadillac

1. Cadillac Town and Port 

Cadillac, the town that bears the name of the automobile manufacturer, is a favourite port of call for cruises departing from Bordeaux. It is so close to the Sauternes region, located on the Garonne River, that you can almost taste the Cadillac dessert wines in the air. And, despite its diminutive size, this French town exudes a festive joie de vivre that never ceases to amaze.

2. Abbey of La Sauve-Majeure

The Abbey of La Sauve-Majeure is in ruins on a small hill above the village of La Sauve, in the heart of the western Gironde vineyards to the south-east of Bordeaux. The ruins are quite significant, and there are some particularly notable examples of local Roman style architecture to be viewed.

The monastery is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most important historic monuments along the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, as well as a major beginning place for pilgrims from this area.

3. Sauveterre-de-Guyenne

This is a bastide town that still maintains the original 'grid' pattern as set out when the town was formed in 1281 - to the point where you can stand in the middle and look straight out in each direction to see the original four stone gates that were formerly the town's entry points.

The town's centre is one of the best restored of the bastide towns, yet it's also one of the least visited due to its location away from major tourist routes. A vast variety of shops, cafés, and other commerce may now be found beneath the arcades.

Interesting fact about Cadillac wine region

Cadillac may have been the inspiration for the name of a famous US car from Detroit. It's unclear if the town's name was given to the wine in honour of the local Marquis de Cadillac, or whether the wine's name was used as the name of a high-end American car.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cadillac wine region