← All topics

Unusual Bordeaux wine

Unusual wine in Bordeaux: the audacity of Château Cazebonne

Do you think the Bordeaux vineyard is confined solely to powerful reds and classic dry whites? Think again! At Château Cazebonne, we challenge conventions and invite you on an unprecedented taste exploration. If you are looking for an original wine in Bordeaux, a bottle that will spark your curiosity and surprise your palate, our estate is your destination.

Our approach—deeply rooted in respect for the Graves terroir combined with a constant quest for innovation—drives us to craft wines that deliberately step off the beaten track. We want to help you rediscover another facet of Bordeaux, full of surprises and authenticity.

Cuvées reinventing the Bordeaux identity

Château Cazebonne offers a range of wines that stands out in the Bordeaux landscape. It is not merely a question of taste, but also of philosophy, respect for history, and a vision for the future of our vineyard. These creations are the fruit of research and an unwavering passion for the expression of terroir.

Our unusual gems: an invitation to discovery

  • Forgotten Grape Varieties: our unique signature. Who would have imagined tasting a wine in Bordeaux today made from 100% historical grape varieties such as Mancin, Castets, or Saint-Macaire? These varieties, once emblematic of the region before falling into oblivion, offer absolutely unique aromatic profiles and palate structures—a true echo of bygone flavours revisited. Our blend "Comme un goût de Liberté" is a fascinating gateway to this universe. These grape varieties, as explained by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne in his book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", bear witness to an unsuspected viticultural wealth. To find out more about these varieties, explore our pages dedicated to heritage grape varieties and forgotten grape varieties of Bordeaux.
  • Orange Wine: bold skin-contact maceration. Vinifying white grapes (Sauvignon, Sémillon) with prolonged skin contact, in the manner of a red wine, was still rare in Bordeaux just a few years ago. Our cuvée "Comme un goût d'Orange" is the daring result. This wine, with its captivating amber hue, reveals complex aromas of dried fruit, spices, and tea, paired with a surprising tannic structure that makes it ideal for food pairing. Discover more about the orange wine-making process.
  • Pétillant Naturel (Pet'Nat): bubbles with a difference. Yes, bubbles in Bordeaux, and not just any bubbles! Our Pet'Nats, "Gaz'bonne" and "Bul'bonne", are crafted using the ancestral method. This means that the end of alcoholic fermentation takes place directly in the bottle without disgorgement. The result? A gentle effervescence, vibrant fruitiness, and exhilarating freshness, perfect for an original aperitif or an unconventional festive occasion. Learn all about Cazebonne's Pet'Nat.
  • Wines with No Added Sulphur: pure terroir expression. Offering wines crafted without any added sulphur is a demanding and daring approach in Bordeaux. This method allows for a raw, authentic, and vibrant expression of the grape, offering a tasting experience as close as possible to the true nature of wine. This is a tangible example of our pursuit of living wine. You can also read our article on the Assyrtiko grape variety, which we are experimenting with keen interest.

History and philosophy of a daring viticulture

The story of these unusual wines stems from a desire to reconnect with pre-phylloxera Bordeaux winemaking traditions, whilst exploring new avenues. Bordeaux's vineyard, rich in an ampelographic past far more diverse than today's, saw many of its original grape varieties disappear in favour of a few dominant ones.

At Château Cazebonne, we work to bring these forgotten treasures back to life, as showcased by our "Comme un goût de…" range, which offers wines made from these rare grape varieties. This approach goes hand in hand with environmentally friendly, biodynamic viticulture, allowing the terroir to fully express its richness and complexity.

The Château Cazebonne approach

Our philosophy rests on a deep conviction: Bordeaux still has so much to offer. By cultivating heritage grape varieties and innovating in vinification methods, we aim to spark genuine surprise among wine lovers, fostering a fresh perception of what Bordeaux can embody. It is the promise of a unique tasting experience, far removed from clichés, where every bottle tells a story of boldness and passion.

Choosing an unusual wine from Château Cazebonne means treating yourself to a different tasting experience, exploring new flavours, and supporting a winemaker who dares to innovate while honouring history and the environment through organic and biodynamic viticulture. It is living proof that Bordeaux can still surprise and reinvent its traditions!

Our commitment to reviving these lost grape varieties is a long-term project, made possible by the unwavering support of the many wine enthusiasts who have embraced our wines and share our passion for renewal. It is thanks to your trust that we can continue to innovate and preserve this precious viticultural heritage.

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", test your knowledge with our wine quizzes, and of course, discover all our cuvées for sale in the Cazebonne online shop.

Sources

  • Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages — Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, Editions BBD

Our suggestions

Treat yourself

-5%on your 1st order with code BIENVENUE

6 × Entre Amis redThe essential

6 × Entre Amis red

6 bottles — Graves red 2022

The best price of the cellar: €12 per bottle delivered.

The everyday red: generous and straight to the point.

I want it
6 × Le Grand Vin redOur recommendation92/100 RVF

6 × Le Grand Vin red

6 bottles — Graves red 2022, 92/100 RVF

Rated 92/100 by La Revue du vin de France: a solid 10-year ageing potential.

Our Graves for ageing, the finest gateway to the estate.

I want it
Discovery case, 12 bottlesGo further

Discovery case, 12 bottles

12 bottles — the whole range

12 bottles, the whole range tasted: the best discovery-to-price ratio.

The complete tour of the estate, in a single case.

I want it

Related posts

News from the estate

The cellar, forgotten grape varieties and our cuvées, twice a month. 5% off your first order with the code BIENVENUE.

I am:

Built by

... by Good Morning AI

Websites, marketing and automation for winegrowers.