The Cotes de Castillon appellation was created in 1989, after a large number of local vine-growers lobbied for an identity distinct from the more generic Bordeaux AC appellation. In March 2009, this changed again when the Cotes de Castillon appellation was merged with the Premieres Cotes de Blaye, Cotes de Francs and the red wines from Cadillac produced under the Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux appellations, to form the new 'Cotes de Bordeaux' appellation.
The appellation is named after the town of Castillon-la-Bataille, which sits on the northern bank of the Dordogne river, as it winds its way from the peaks of the Massif Central (200 miles, 322 km to the east) to Atlantic coast.
Merlot is the predominant fruit in almost all Cotes de Castillon's solid, fruity red wines, although Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are grown here too, particularly in the better-drained, more elevated areas in the north of the appellation. The most respected of the appellation's wines are those produced from vineyards close to the Dordogne river, which marks its southern boundary.
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