Château Henri Bonnaud

The history of Château Henri Bonnaud

Founded by Henri Bonnaud, the estate is now run by Stéphane Spitzglous, representing the third generation of the winemaking family. Henri's grandson, he was born on the estate and raised by his grandfather, with whom he spent his days on the tractor or in the vines.

Stéphane took over the estate in 1996. Henri Bonnaud remained at his side until his death in 2001. In 2006, he created the Cuvée Quintessence, which immediately became the estate's top cuvée.

In 2010, Stéphane decided to change the way he ran the estate, switching to organic farming and, in 2013, to organic winemaking.

The Château Henri Bonnaud vineyard

The Palette appellation

The Château Henri Bonnaud vineyard is located 6 kilometers southeast of Aix en Provence, in the heart of the Palette AOC terroir. It comprises 14 hectares belonging to the Palette appellation, which totals just 48 hectares. It's one of the most confidential in France, but certainly not the least prestigious. It has the particularity of producing magnificent wines for laying down.

The soil of Château Henri Bonnaud

The soil of the Château Henri Bonnaud vineyard consists of limestone scree known as de Langesse, which means that it is a lacustrine limestone from the Tertiary era.

The vineyards nestle in a sort of natural amphitheater, offering natural protection from the mistral wind. The mountains of Cengle and Sainte-Victoire, as well as the hills of Langesse and Grand Cabri, create a microclimate that is highly beneficial to the vines.

Most of the plots are south-facing, providing uninterrupted sunshine throughout the day. A few plots on less exposed slopes are reserved for white grape varieties.

Château Henri Bonnaud is farmed organically, avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers. The grapes are harvested by hand.

The wines of Château Henri Bonnaud

Cuvée Quintessence blanc - AOC Palette

Created in 2006, Quintessence is the Domaine's prestige cuvée. The Quintessence white version is a blend of Clairette Blanche, Clairette Rose and Ugni Blanc. Its silvery-yellow color, with hints of gray, turns golden with age.

The wine is of great purity, developing an intense, elegant and complex aromatic palette. Notes of white flowers mingle with aromas of white fruits, peaches and pears. The nose offers notes of candied fruit, coconut and vanilla aromas.

The palate is suave, rich in confectionery notes, with flavors of marzipan and candied fruit. The wine's structure is tannic, with minty tones that express themselves during the finish.

Château Henri Bonnaud's Cuvée Quintessence is available in rosé and red.