A return to the origins of the Bordeaux vineyard

Saint-Macaire, a white grape variety once cultivated across the Bordeaux region, notably in the Graves and Entre-Deux-Mers, embodies the historical richness and ampelographic diversity that the vineyard once enjoyed. Its very name evokes links with the commune of Saint-Macaire, a historic cradle of viticulture. This grape variety was an integral part of the local wine landscape before successive crises (phylloxera, followed by varietal standardisation) led to its near-abandonment. At Château Cazebonne, we are working to restore the prestige of varieties like Saint-Macaire, as part of our commitment to preserving viticultural heritage and exploring new aromatic expressions.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Early to mid-season (similar to Chasselas)
Flowering	Early to mid-season
Véraison	Early to mid-season
Maturity	Early to mid-season
Vigour	Moderate to high
Canopy habit	Semi-erect
Downy mildew susceptibility	Susceptible
Powdery mildew susceptibility	Susceptible
Botrytis susceptibility	Moderately susceptible to susceptible
Black rot susceptibility	Susceptible
Aromatic profile	Floral notes (honeysuckle, acacia), citrus fruit, occasionally a hint of white-fleshed fruit. Delicate and fresh.
Winemaking potential	Enables the production of fresh, elegant, and crisp dry white wines with vibrant acidity. Can bring complexity and originality to blends.

History and resilience of a grape variety

The story of Saint-Macaire is emblematic of many regional varieties. It was once a significant component of the Gironde varietal mix, prized for its early ripening and its capacity to yield balanced wines. However, its susceptibility to fungal diseases and shifting market preferences towards varieties like Sémillon or Sauvignon blanc gradually pushed it into the background. The rediscovery of Saint-Macaire is part of a broader movement to champion Bordeaux's forgotten grape varieties. Research, such as that by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne in his book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", has documented its past and demonstrated its future potential for a diverse and resilient viticulture, particularly in the face of climate change.

Contribution to Cazebonne wines

At Château Cazebonne, Saint-Macaire finds a new arena for expression. Carefully farmed according to biodynamic principles, it contributes to cuvées that surprise with their finesse and typicity. Its aromatic delicacy and natural tension provide a refreshing, distinctive alternative, helping craft wines that tell a different story of Bordeaux.

Reviving forgotten grape varieties means restoring a soul to the Bordeaux vineyard. At Cazebonne, this commitment lies at the very heart of our philosophy: crafting wines that tell a story, passing down a living heritage, and offering a bold alternative to the standardisation of tastes. This work is made possible thanks to the unwavering support of the many wine enthusiasts who have embraced our wines and share our vision of authentic, respectful viticulture. To deepen your knowledge of the fascinating history of Bordeaux grape varieties, we invite you to download the digital edition of the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" via this link: our book on historic grape varieties. You can also test your wine knowledge with our wine quizzes and, of course, discover our full range of wines, including those crafted from these rare varieties, directly in our online boutique. Discover our approach to single-varietal wines in Bordeaux, as well as the story of the winemakers cultivating Malbec.