Château d'Aiguilhe

The history of Château d'Aiguilhe

Château d'Aiguilhe was originally a fortified farm dating back to the 13th century. Its position on the border of areas long disputed by the French and English in the Middle Ages gave it a certain importance in military combat. During the Hundred Years' War, Château d'Aiguilhe, owned by the seigneury of Aiguilhe, passed successively into the hands of the two powers, depending on how the fighting turned out.

Château d'Aiguilhe was then sold to the Leberthon family, a famous line of Bordeaux parliamentarians. As the French Revolution approached, they sold the property to Etienne Martineau, who transformed the estate into a four hundred hectare single-holding farm.

Château d'Aiguilhe remained in the Martineau family until 1920. It then had several owners. Since the end of 1998, Château d'Aiguilhe has been owned by Stephan von Neipperg.

The Château d'Aiguilhe vineyard

Château d'Aiguilhe is a mixed farming estate. Its vast 140-hectare estate reserves 90 hectares for the vineyard. The vines are planted on the plateau, to benefit from the exceptional sunshine of an overall southern exposure, as well as the drainage of the natural slope.

The soil alternates between clay-loam and clay-limestone structures. It is rather poor, but the limestone substrate on which it rests guarantees excellent regulation of the water supply.

The grape varieties are 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The average age of the vines is 28 years. The grapes are harvested by hand, in small crates. The grapes are sorted twice, before and after destemming.

The wines of Château d'Aiguilhe

Château d'Aiguilhe red - Appellation Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

Château d'Aiguilhe rouge is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. It boasts an attractive, clear, limpid red color.

The nose is intense, full of ripe black fruit, with hints of vanilla spice. The palate is deep and juicy. It can be full-bodied at times, as well as tinged with citrus flavors.

Blackberry aromas vie for dominance with those of strawberry. The palate is backed by upright tannins that give the wine a robust structure. The finish is balanced and elegant, with some saline notes.

Château d'Aiguilhe white

Château d'Aiguilhe blanc is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes. It boasts a golden yellow color, with moiré highlights.

The nose is fresh and filled with white flowers, as much as white fruit. The wine is expressive, developing aromas of apricot and candied fruit. The palate is tasty, very fresh, with a very long finish.

Château d'Aiguilhe blanc is appreciated for its minerality, its firm, dense tannins, as much as for its licorice-flavored finish, both fresh and racy.