Chateau CarbonnieuxProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

Château Carbonnieux is one of the most prestigious estates in Pessac-Léognan, known for producing both red and white wines of exceptional quality, complexity, and ageing potential. As a Grand Cru Classé in the Graves Classification of 1953, Carbonnieux stands as a testament to the region’s ability to craft wines of remarkable distinction. With a history that dates back to the 13th century and a commitment to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Pessac-Léognan, Château Carbonnieux is a true gem of Bordeaux.

History of Château Carbonnieux

The history of Château Carbonnieux is one of the oldest in Bordeaux, dating back to the 13th century when the estate was established by the Benedictine monks of the Sainte-Croix Abbey in Bordeaux. The estate quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines, and over the centuries, it has been owned by several prominent families. In the 1950s, Château Carbonnieux was purchased by the Perrin family, who have since invested significantly in the vineyard and winery, helping to elevate the estate’s reputation for quality.

Under the Perrin family’s stewardship, Château Carbonnieux has flourished, producing wines that are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully. The family’s dedication to quality and their deep understanding of the Pessac-Léognan terroir have helped Château Carbonnieux maintain its status as one of the leading estates in the region.

The Terroir of Château Carbonnieux

The terroir of Château Carbonnieux is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 92 hectares of vineyards are located on a gravelly plateau in Pessac-Léognan, where the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and limestone. These well-drained soils are ideal for cultivating both red and white grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon.

The red vineyard is planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, while the white vineyard is planted with 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to producing wines that are both powerful and balanced, with the red wines offering richness, structure, and aromatic complexity, and the white wines providing freshness, precision, and depth.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château Carbonnieux to produce wines that are both elegant and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Carbonnieux

Winemaking at Château Carbonnieux is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation for the red wines takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, while the white wines are fermented in a combination of stainless steel and French oak barrels.

The red wines are aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, with about 30% new oak used each year, while the white wines are aged in French oak barrels for 10 to 12 months, with about 25% new oak. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously.