Although the vineyard of Chateau Carbonneau has been in existence since the 19th century, the philosophy and management practices are constantly evolving. However, the goal remains the same - producing unique and elegant wines full of flavour.
A Hillside Vineyard
Château Carbonneau is situated on the eastern limits of Gironde straddling both the communes of Pessac sur Dordogne and Gensac at an altitude of 75m above sea-level.
Since 2016, the Sainte-Foy Appellation has become part of the Union des Côtes de Bordeaux.
The proximity of the Dordogne river combined with the rolling countryside is particularly suited to growing grapes. The Atlantic climate and hot dry summers are ideal growing conditions for the vines and allow the grapes to reach maximum maturity.
Since the 2019 harvest, Carbonneau has been in organic conversion with the Ecocert agency and will be in organic certified (AB) from the 2022 harvest. This conversion was a logical decision for the château since it is in line with our desire and our commitment to develop the quality of our wines over the years reflect the expression of our terroir.
This is why in 2021 we started the conversion not only of the vineyard but of the farm in its entirety towards biodynamic agriculture. Since the 2023 harvest, the property is biodynamic certified (Demeter). Biodynamics is a step further towards respect for life and peasant know-how. It is also a philosophy that aims to optimize farm resources in order to reduce our dependence on external inputs. Whether in the vineyard or in breeding, the objective for the future is the health of our soils in order to increase their fertility over time.
Carbonneau also obtained the High Environmental Value Level 3 (HVE3) label in 2020.
More than just a vineyard
The symbiosis between vines and cattle
Winemaking has always been the essence of our activity. The year 2016 is the 20th vintage that we have produced on the property.
The vineyard is located on the hills of the property which benefits from a favorable south/south-west exposition. In the fields below, 30 Bazadaise, Aquitaine Blond and Bretonne Pie Noire cattle happily share 30 hectares of more fertile grounds.
The role of the cattle is tightly linked to the vineyard as they provide full natural manure based fertiliser produced on the farm.
The varietals grown on the vineyard
6 varietals for perfectly balanced wines
Merlot
48%
Cabernet
Franc
17%
Cabernet
Sauvignon
12%
Malbec
2%
Sémillon
3%
Sauvignon
White
18%
With Merlot and Sauvignon as our main red and white varietals, Chateau Carbonneau is quite typical of what can be found on the right bank of the Bordeaux region.
The clay and limestone of our soil allows the Cabernet Franc to flourish and gives a perfect base, with its structure and spicy notes, for blending with the Merlot.
The Chateau was built around 1880 with a large winery and a magnificent stone press. Following the depression in the 1930s and the emergence of cooperatives, the chateau’s production was sold to the Gensac Wine Cooperative. In 1995 the owners decided to pull out of the cooperative and once again make wine on the property.
This marked the beginning of a new era for Carbonneau. The old winery was restored, new stainless steel vats were installed and the cellar housed its first barrels in 50 years. The winery was constructed in stone of the same era as the chateau and naturally closes the courtyard .
Whether it is on the vineyard or in the winery, Wilfrid, his sone PIerre and their team are committed to produce wines that express all the potential of Carbonneau's terroir.