Liliorila is a white grape variety recently introduced to the Bordeaux wine landscape. A crossing of Baroque and Chardonnay bred by INRA in 1956, it was officially listed in the national catalogue in 2019. Its history is therefore not anchored in Bordeaux's rich historical heritage, but rather stems from an innovative approach in the face of contemporary challenges.

Why the interest in Liliorila in Bordeaux today? It is one of six new varieties – alongside Marselan, Arinarnoa, Touriga Nacional, Albariño, grape varieties for the future, and Castets (the latter being a historic Bordeaux variety) – authorised in 2021 by the AOC Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur syndicats. This authorisation is experimental and strictly regulated, limiting plantings to 5% of vineyard area and up to 10% in the final blend, in order to evaluate their potential for adaptation to climate change.

Liliorila was selected for several promising characteristics. Its later ripening compared to the region's traditional white varieties makes it a valuable asset in the face of rising temperatures, allowing it to retain good acidity, which is essential for freshness in the wines. Its aromatic profile is also considered compelling, offering floral and fruity notes that can bring a new dimension to dry white Bordeaux. It thus represents a proactive pathway to maintaining balance and typicity in Bordeaux wines under climate warming.

At Château Cazebonne, our approach to adaptation differs. We focus on rediscovering and rehabilitating Bordeaux's historic grape varieties—those that flourished across our soils in the 19th century and have already proven their ability to adapt to the unique conditions of our terroir over the centuries. Varieties such as Mansin, Castets, Pardotte, and Jouanen represent, in our view, adaptation solutions already validated by history. Nonetheless, we follow these other trials with keen interest, convinced that every approach contributes to the collective conversation on the future of the Bordeaux vineyard. Another alternative, such as Bouysselet, which brings freshness from the South-West, could also offer a way forward for Bordeaux.

This dedicated work of remembrance and perseverance is at the heart of our commitment. We are replanting these lost varieties, one by one, to bring to life an unsuspected palette of flavours, while respecting our terroir and adhering to organic and biodynamic principles. This ambitious project is made possible only through the invaluable support of the wine lovers who have embraced our wines and share our passion for reviving Bordeaux's viticultural heritage.

To explore the culmination of this work and taste our cuvées crafted from these rediscovered varieties, we invite you to visit the Cazebonne online shop.

To delve deeper into this fascinating history, Jean-Baptiste Duquesne has authored the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" published by Éditions BBD. If you would like to receive the digital edition by email, please go to receive the digital edition.