Castillon - Côtes de Bordeaux

You'd never know it from seeing it now, but centuries ago the town of Castillon-la-Bataille was the site of the last battle of the Hundred Years' War. Today it is a village surrounded by the serene vineyards of Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux, a wine-growing region inland and east of Saint-Émilion. Parts of Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux are a geological extension of the limestone ridge that runs through the great estates of Saint-Émilion. Other parts have Pomerol clay and gravel soils.

Attracted by the similarities of terroir and affordable land values, investors from these more celebrated Bordeaux regions have snapped up properties and elevated wine quality in Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux. These are all red wine countries that are particularly hospitable to Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Once known as Côtes de Castillon, the region's name changed in 2009. It is now one of four regions - along with Blaye, Cadillac and Francs - comprising the Côtes de Bordeaux appellation.