Chateau AngelusProducer from Bordeaux, France

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

Château Angélus, located in the heart of the Saint-Émilion appellation, is one of Bordeaux’s most iconic estates, known for producing wines of exceptional elegance, intensity, and aromatic complexity. As a Premier Grand Cru Classé A, Angélus stands at the pinnacle of Saint-Émilion’s wine hierarchy, consistently delivering wines that reflect the estate’s dedication to excellence. With a history that spans over two centuries, Château Angélus is a benchmark for the region, celebrated for its distinctive bell tower and the unmistakable character of its wines.

History of Château Angélus

The history of Château Angélus dates back to the early 19th century when it was established by Jean de Boüard de Laforest, a descendant of a noble family with a long history in Bordeaux. The estate takes its name from the practice of local vineyard workers pausing to pray when they heard the bells of the nearby churches, a tradition that continues to be symbolized by the estate’s iconic bell tower.

In the 20th century, Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, a descendant of the founder, took over the management of the estate and began a series of innovations that would elevate Angélus to its current status. Under his leadership, the estate expanded its vineyards and implemented modern winemaking techniques, including the introduction of temperature-controlled fermentation and the use of new oak barrels. These improvements, combined with a focus on low yields and meticulous vineyard management, helped Château Angélus achieve the rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé in the 1996 Saint-Émilion Classification, and later, Premier Grand Cru Classé A in 2012.

Today, the estate is managed by Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal and Thierry Grenié de Boüard, who continue the family’s tradition of excellence. Château Angélus remains a symbol of Saint-Émilion’s rich history and its commitment to producing wines of unparalleled quality.

The Terroir of Château Angélus

The terroir of Château Angélus is one of the estate’s most prized assets, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 42 hectares of vineyards are located on a south-facing slope, which benefits from excellent sun exposure and natural drainage. The soils are a mix of clay and limestone, which are ideal for cultivating Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the dominant grape varieties at Angélus.

The vineyard is planted with 50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the full potential of its terroir, with Merlot providing richness and roundness, and Cabernet Franc contributing structure, elegance, and aromatic complexity. The small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon adds depth and a touch of spice to the blend.

The unique combination of soils and exposure, along with the estate’s meticulous vineyard management, allows Château Angélus to produce wines that are both powerful and balanced, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Angélus

Winemaking at Château Angélus is a process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel and oak vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months, with about 100% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.