Wine
Further to years of rigorous studies, the team is equipped with an intimate knowledge of the terroir. In addition to a viticultural approach in pursuit of perfect ripeness, is the quest for an ideal aromatic profile. To this end, from each micro-block of vines is drawn a remarkably precise and delicate expression of the tannins, fruit and character.
Designed in partnership with Moon Safari Architects to embrace the uniqueness of the estate, it meets several key objectives.
This feature means every stage of the winemaking process can be carefully regulated.
— 63 tanks, of which 34 inverted conical in format, are devoted to vinifying red grape varieties sourced across 54 hectares of vines. The winery is in fact the first in Bordeaux to embrace the innovative approach of alternating inverted conical and conical tanks.
Pierre ESTORGE
Through its vast glass facades, Château La Garde winery is flooded with natural light, effectively forming a stage looking on to nature all around and creating an intimate connection with the vineyard. This provides an ideal working environment for our teams, which in terms of functionality and style would be difficult to surpass.
This way, every type of fermentation vessel, taking into consideration size, shape and material, finds its rightful place in this exceptional setting.
Frédéric BONNAFFOUS
Cellar Master for more than two years at Château La Garde, Guillaume Rousseau steers every stage in the winemaking and ageing process of the estate’s wines, right through to bottling.
Further to a decade at Château Belgrave, Grand Cru Classé, also part of the Dourthe portfolio, he is passionate about making the most of the new winery and barrel hall to bring out the very best of the terroir.
The vast barrel hall was constructed in 1991 to accommodate the estate wines as they gently age. The underground vaulted and temperature-controlled building can hold up to 2,000 barrels.
More than just a storage unit, this constitutes the beating heart of the Chateau, where the wines acquire their complexity and finesse.
Ageing in barriques imparts structure and promotes complex aromas in the red wines. The tannins, refined by barrel-ageing, bring a velvety texture to the wine.
Lees-stirring is also key for a proportion of the white wines, which promotes a rare and distinctive expression of Sauvignon Blanc, the predominant grape variety on the estate, and enriched by the generous profile of Semillon.
The estate’s Mosaic Cuvées are aged in 6 amphorae in a bid to fully harness the character of each grape variety and distinctive profile of a specific soil.
A graduate of ENS (the prestigious Ecole Nationale Supérieure), doctor, professor and consultant oenologist, Axel is considered as the worthy successor of Denis Dubourdieu.
And joined the estate in 2022 as consultant. The most famous doctor in Bordeaux, in 2021 he was named Decanter’s ‘Rising Star’.
Consultant oenologist Christophe Ollivier has lent his support to the teams, specifically with the white wines, since the early years.
Since the 2023 vintage, he has also consulted on the estate’s red wines working specifically honing their identity and authenticity.
