Chateau Des Castres

This ancient estate for the longest time was owned by its most illustrious proprietor, the Baron of Poitevin. Since 1881, the quality of its vineyards was praised in the 4th edition of the Feret Bordeaux Wine Guide. Even then, the estate was ahead of its time, planting several grape varieties instead of just one, as their neighbors did.

Over the years, ownership changed hands within the family until 1996, when Jose Rodrigues-Lalande, the oenological engineer, and his wife Brigette, took over the estate. The couple unearthed the magnificent 18th-century chateau and the surrounding forests. Vines are grown on deep gravelly soil in a combination of biodynamic and experiential methods. No herbicides are used, and the winery is made of untreated wood to avoid exogenous odors and tastes. Tronconical stainless steel vats and a mastery of temperature control also helps avoid thermal shock to the wine. 

Wines are blended and aged in French oak.