Château Ségonzac
Château Ségonzac combines tradition and modernity with a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture. Its unique terroir, rich history, and technical expertise allow the creation of wines that embody both the elegance and power of Bordeaux’s great wines.
History
Château Ségonzac, nestled in the Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, is an estate rich in history. Founded in 1887 by Jean Dupuy, then Minister of Agriculture under the Third Republic and founder of the newspaper Le Petit Parisien, the estate quickly gained distinction for the modernity of its facilities. At its inauguration, its cellar was considered the most advanced in Bordeaux in terms of equipment and functionality.
A few years later, Château Ségonzac earned the prestigious designation of 1er Cru Bourgeois, recognizing the exceptional quality of its terroir and wines. During World War II, the estate became the site of a historic event: a British commando unit landed there on a mission to sabotage enemy installations in Bordeaux—an operation that ended in success. A commemorative plaque on the estate’s outer wall honors this heroic episode.
In 1990, the estate was acquired by Jacques Marmet, a Swiss national, who undertook a modernization of the infrastructure. The cellars were renovated, and vineyard management was optimized, particularly through improved trellising, ensuring better grape maturation. Today, visitors are warmly welcomed by Guillaume de La Quintinie, the estate manager, and Caroline, who oversees reception and administration.
The Vineyard
Spanning over 43 hectares, the vineyard of Château Ségonzac is planted on a hillside overlooking the Gironde, benefiting from optimal sunlight and a climate tempered by the proximity of the estuary. This privileged geographical location promotes even grape ripening while reducing the risks of frost and excess water.
The clay-limestone soil is a key asset of the estate. The clay retains deep water reserves, ensuring a constant water supply for the vines, while the limestone enhances minerality and imparts refined aromatic expression to the wines. This terroir, supported by a layer of exposed limestone rock, gives the château’s cuvées depth and balance.
The vineyard is planted with a selection of classic Bordeaux grape varieties: 60% Merlot, bringing roundness and fruitiness; 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, providing structure and longevity; 10% Malbec, adding spicy notes; 5% Petit Verdot, enhancing intensity; and 5% Cabernet Franc, contributing floral and elegant nuances.
Committed to sustainable viticulture, the estate meticulously monitors each parcel to tailor interventions based on grape maturity and climatic conditions. This constant care allows for the fullest expression of the terroir’s richness, producing wines that harmoniously combine finesse and power.
Winemaking & Aging
Cuvée Tradition
Following meticulous vineyard management under sustainable viticulture, mechanical harvesting is carried out at full maturity. Vinification begins with a rigorous selection of parcels and manual grape sorting. A cold pre-fermentation maceration precedes fermentation in temperature-controlled cement tanks, where temperatures are maintained between 26°C and 28°C. Three daily pump-overs ensure optimal extraction of aromas and tannins, while maceration lasts 28 to 30 days. The wine is then aged in tanks for 12 to 18 months, preserving its fruitiness and freshness.
Cuvée Vieilles Vignes
Sourced from the estate’s oldest parcels (approximately 45 years old), this cuvée receives special attention. The vinification follows the same process as the Cuvée Tradition, with parcel selection and rigorous grape sorting. After fermentation under strict temperature control, the wine is aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels. Each year, 20% of the barrels are renewed, adding structure and complexity to the wine.
Wine Character
Château Ségonzac showcases the richness of its terroir through complex and elegant wines. Cuvée Tradition reveals aromas of ripe red fruits, cherry, and plum, with smooth tannins and a beautifully rounded palate. Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, deeper and more intense, develops subtle oak notes, hints of cocoa, and sweet spices, offering great length and excellent aging potential.
