Château La Tour Blanche

The history of the estate

The White Tower, emblem of the estate, was built in the 18th century by M. de Saint-Marc. At this moment, the history of Château la Tour Blanche begins. Frederic Focke, a native of Germany joins the estate in the century and reinvents the sweet wine there, in particular by importing the technique of late harvest.

In 1855, as part of the classification of the Sauternes Crus under the Second Empire by Napoleon III, Chateau la Tour Blanche was ranked first among the Sauternes Premiers Crus, just behind Chateau d'Yquem, the only Premier Grand Cru Supérieur of the appellation.

In 1876, Daniel Iffla, alias Osiris, took over the estate and developed it. When he died in 1907, his will indicated that the château was to be bequeathed to the State on condition that a school of viticulture and wine-making be built there.

Today, it is the New Aquitaine region that runs the estate since 2010 and the school of Viticulture and Oenology are still active, which shows a real desire to transmit the know-how and heritage of this vineyard.

A controlled nature

Located in the heart of the Sauternes AOC, the estate enjoys a privileged terroir with hilly landscapes, the vineyards culminating at 60m altitude on hilltops. The soils are very interesting, with gravelly surfaces and clay-limestone subsoils, which give this so particular character to the wines produced.

Three grape varieties make up the vineyard: Semillon (83%), Sauvignon (12%) and Muscadelle (5%). Semillon gives the grapes its structure, golden color and aromas of dried fruit, candied fruit and honey. The Sauvignon Blanc produces a finer wine, full-bodied and very aromatic, which brings freshness. Finally, Muscadelle brings aromatic complexity with its delicate muscatel grain scents and exotic and spicy notes.

The choices made by the public authorities in terms of environment and ecology are aimed at preserving the terroir so that it can express itself at its best in the wines produced. This direction taken by the chateau has enabled it to be certified High Environmental Value 3 and to become a member of the first association for the Bordeaux Wine Environmental Management System certified ISO 14001.

The care given to the vines is meticulous and the harvest is carried out by selective "selections", which means that the pickers pass several times in the rows to pick only the berries where the botrytis has had sufficient action. The work is therefore irregular and the harvest can require a period of nearly two months.

The wines

The 2009 Château la Tour Blanche (in white) stands out with a nose of citrus, exotic fruit and toast. There are also notes of apricot, minty freshness and exotic fruits. Its mouth is full, smooth, fruity and balanced.