Château d'Arricaud
Château D’Arricaud stands out for its environmental commitment and constant pursuit of quality. Its HVE certification reflects its respect for the terroir and biodiversity. Managed according to sustainable viticulture principles, the vineyard implements eco-friendly practices while preserving ancestral expertise. Each vintage authentically expresses the soul of its terroir, offering wines with character, elegance, and balance, perfect for moments of sharing and conviviality.
History
Located in Landiras, at the heart of the Graves appellation, Château D’Arricaud embodies the perfect blend of charm and tradition. Overlooking the Sauternais and the hills of the Garonne, the estate reflects more than two centuries of history. Its current identity is the result of the work of Count Joachim de Chalup, a former Grey Musketeer and President of the Bordeaux Parliament in 1772. Even then, this prestigious vineyard received meticulous care and was expanded with the introduction of noble grape varieties.
Today, the Bouyx-Trénit family has upheld this pursuit of excellence for three generations. Isabelle Bouyx and her team passionately continue the founder’s ambitions, preserving and developing an exceptional terroir while adopting environmentally friendly viticultural practices.
The vineyard of Château D’Arricaud is surrounded by a preserved natural environment, rich in biodiversity. Committed to sustainable viticulture, the estate takes great care to maintain a balanced ecosystem through controlled grass cover, bee protection, and responsible management of winegrowing waste. This commitment is recognized by Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification and membership in the CIVB Environmental Management Program.
The Vineyard
The estate spans 23 contiguous hectares, featuring clay-gravel soils on the heights and clay-limestone soils at the foot of the slopes. These diverse terroirs impart a unique richness and complexity to the grapes. The red grape varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot—thrive on the clay-gravel soils, while the white varieties—Sémillon, Sauvignon, and Muscadelle—are planted on the clay-limestone gravel terroirs.
Each parcel is meticulously managed using viticultural methods that blend tradition and innovation. The vines are pruned according to different techniques: Guyot simple for Merlot and Sémillon, Médoc pruning for Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc, and Côt pruning for vines intended for sweet white wines. Debudding, leaf thinning, and green harvesting are adjusted each year based on climatic conditions and vine vigor.
Winemaking and Aging
Château d’Arricaud White
Château d’Arricaud white is the result of a meticulous parcel selection. The grapes, harvested at optimal ripeness through a combination of manual and mechanical harvesting, are immediately pressed to preserve their aromatic freshness. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks (17°C) to enhance the aromatic expression of the grape varieties. Two successive aerations are carried out to refine the wine’s profile.
Aging on fine lees for eight months adds volume and complexity to the wine. Successive rackings, adjusted based on tastings, ensure optimal balance. A fining process is conducted after preliminary trials, guaranteeing perfect clarity.
Château d’Arricaud Red
The grapes for Château d’Arricaud red are also harvested at full maturity after rigorous selection. The vinification process begins with total destemming, followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at 28°C. The maceration period lasts four weeks, allowing for optimal extraction of aromas and tannins. A daily pump-over ensures even maceration.
Aged for 18 months in stainless steel tanks, the wine retains its fruit-forward character while developing structure and roundness.
Wine Character
Château d’Arricaud White
Blended from 70% Sémillon, 20% Sauvignon, and 10% Muscadelle, this white wine displays a beautiful golden, brilliant hue. The nose reveals delicate aromas of white flowers, citrus, and exotic fruits. On the palate, the attack is lively and fresh, evolving into a full and silky texture, supported by a lovely mineral tension. The long and elegant finish unfolds with hints of honey and a subtle touch of oak.
Château d’Arricaud Red
Composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, Château d’Arricaud red showcases an intense color with purple highlights. The bouquet reveals aromas of black fruits, cassis, and cherry, enhanced by spicy and toasted nuances. On the palate, the structure is harmonious, marked by fine, silky tannins. The tank aging process preserves the purity of the fruit while offering a smooth texture and a lingering finish.
