At a glance

Producer

Château de Marsan

Region

Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon (Bordeaux blend)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$12–$18 USD retail

Tasting profile

Vivid red and black fruit (cherry, plum, cassis), soft tannins, subtle spice, gentle oak integration.

Evolution: Will gain supple mouthfeel, hints of leather and dried fruit; primary fruit will mellow.

At peak: Expect smooth, balanced, slightly savory profile at peak with integrated secondary notes.

Structure

Acidity

Medium; fresh, supports fruit without being tart.

Tannins

Soft to medium, well-integrated, moderately ripe.

Alcohol

13–13.5% ABV (typical for vintage and appellation).

Aging potential

Modest; will develop more tertiary notes in 3–5 years but is not meant for long-term aging.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2031 to 2039

Optimal window

2027 to 2042

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Fresh, balanced, ideal for early to mid-term drinking; can age slightly further.

Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux wines from producers like Château de Marsan are crafted for early to mid-term enjoyment. The 2022 vintage’s fruit-forward character and moderate structure indicate peak enjoyment between 2025 and 2027, when freshness meets developing complexity.

Food pairing

Grilled pork, roast chicken, duck breast, light stews, hard cheeses, mushroom dishes.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Integrated pest management, soil health initiatives, partial cover cropping, efforts in water and energy efficiency; some recycled packaging.

Château de Marsan demonstrates an above-average commitment to environmental stewardship relative to Bordeaux mainstream. While not fully organic or biodynamic, they employ sustainable viticultural methods certified by French programs (e.g., Terra Vitis). Packaging displays some progress towards eco-friendliness, but there is room to improve renewable energy use and to aim for formal organic/biodynamic certification. Carbon footprint is typical of French Bordeaux: moderate for regional consumption, higher for global export. Overall, notable efforts but not at the cutting edge of sustainability.