Château d'Aiguilhe

The History of the Château d'Aiguilhe

The Château d'Aiguilhe was originally a fortified farm, dating from 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, the Château d'Aiguilhe, property of the seigneury of Aiguilhe, passed successively into the hands of the two powers, depending on how the fighting turned out.

The 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 estate in a single block.

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

The Château d'Aiguilhe vineyard

The Château d'Aiguilhe is a mixed farming estate. Its vast estate of 140 hectares reserves 90 for the vineyard. The vines are planted on the plateau, in order 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 ensures 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 red is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. It has a seductive red colour, clear and limpid.

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 flavours.

Blackberry flavours compete for dominance with strawberry. The palate is backed by straight 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 white is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. It has a golden yellow colour, with moiré highlights.

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

The Château d'Aiguilhe white is appreciated for its minerality, its firm and dense tannins, as well as for its liquorice finish, both fresh and racy.