Château du Moulin Noir
Montagne Saint-Émilion
What sets Château du Moulin Noir apart is its unique blend of historical legacy, expressive terroir, and environmental commitment. The contrast between the grand vin and its second wine offers a full and balanced interpretation of the vineyard: one noble and age-worthy, the other accessible and vibrant. Together, they reflect the spirit of a family-run estate dedicated to authenticity, precision, and character.
History
The story of Château du Moulin Noir began in 1989 with the acquisition of vineyard plots in Lussac Saint-Émilion, followed shortly by land in Montagne-Saint-Émilion. The estate grew progressively over the years, accompanied by the construction of a vinification cellar and barrel room.
According to local legend, the name of the château dates back to the Middle Ages: two brothers quarreled over their father’s inheritance. One, feeling betrayed and unjustly excluded, set the family home ablaze in a fit of rage. Only the mill, slightly apart from the house, survived the flames, its walls blackened by the smoke. This mill, forever marked by fire, gave the estate its distinctive name — Château du Moulin Noir.
The Vineyard
The vineyard now spans 6.8 hectares on clay-limestone hillsides in Montagne, at the heart of the Montagne-Saint-Émilion appellation. The soil composition provides ideal conditions for the grape varieties of Bordeaux’s Right Bank. The vineyard is planted at a density of 6,000 vines per hectare, with 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Farming practices follow a sustainable approach, certified High Environmental Value (HVE 3). Each plot is closely monitored, with maturity evaluated through tasting, lab analysis, and yield assessment. Harvesting is done using both manual and mechanical methods, ensuring optimal fruit integrity.
Winemaking and Ageing
Vinification starts with plot selection and meticulous sorting of the grapes. After total destemming, the must is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, maintained around 28°C. Three pump-overs per day ensure ideal extraction. The long maceration is followed by one to three rackings based on tasting, and egg white fining is used if needed.
Château du Moulin Noir is aged for twelve months in French oak barrels, with 20–25% renewed each vintage depending on the year. Its second wine, Clos Bel-Air, undergoes a gentler ageing process: 12 to 18 months in stainless steel vats with a carefully managed use of oak alternatives (staves), preserving its fresh, fruit-forward profile.
Wine Characteristics
Château du Moulin Noir reveals a structured and elegant style, with ripe black fruit aromas, subtle oak integration, and a silky texture. On the palate, the wine shows depth and finesse, supported by refined tannins and a persistent, well-balanced finish.
Clos Bel-Air offers a more accessible expression: supple and expressive, with generous fruit, freshness, and an approachable structure — an ideal wine for earlier drinking while retaining a touch of distinction.
