Château Tessendey
The uniqueness of Château Tessendey lies in its family heritage and commitment to sustainable viticulture. Driven by the passion of the d’Arfeuille family for several generations, the estate combines respect for tradition and innovation to produce characterful wines that reflect the essence of the Fronsac appellation. Its location on a homogeneous plateau gives its wines a distinct identity, blending power, elegance, and depth.
History
Château Tessendey has been deeply rooted in the winemaking history of the Fronsac region for several decades. In 1972, Martine and Paul-Bernard d’Arfeuille acquired the estate and embarked on an extensive modernization project. Their goal was clear: to restore the domaine to its former glory by restructuring the vineyard and renovating the cellars. Thanks to their efforts, Château Tessendey gradually built a strong reputation among the great wines of Fronsac.
Forty years later, in 2012, their son Arnaud d’Arfeuille took over, determined to carry on the family legacy. Together with his brother, he initiated a new phase of improvement, refining the aging process and optimizing vineyard management. Located on the heights of the commune of Saillans, the Château Tessendey vineyard forms a cohesive estate surrounding the château, offering an exceptional terroir for elegant and well-structured wines.
The Vineyard
Covering 9 hectares, the vineyard is set on a clay-limestone plateau, an ideal soil for vine development. With a planting density of 6,000 vines per hectare, production is carefully managed to ensure high quality. The grape composition highlights Merlot (85%), which brings roundness and fruitiness, and Cabernet Franc (15%), which adds structure and finesse. The vines, averaging 30 years old, are meticulously maintained through sustainable viticulture, certified HVE 3 since 2020. Careful monitoring of grape maturity ensures an optimal harvest.
Winemaking & Aging
The vinification process at Château Tessendey is driven by the pursuit of a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. After harvest, the grapes undergo mechanical sorting to select the finest berries. Maceration lasts between 3 and 5 weeks, allowing for a gentle extraction of aromas and tannins. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled cement tanks, ensuring precise temperature regulation and preserving the purity of the fruit.
The wine is aged for 15 months in oak barrels, following a carefully balanced approach: one-third new barrels, one-third one-year-old barrels, and one-third two-year-old barrels. This method enhances complexity while maintaining the wine’s natural expression.
Wine Character
Château Tessendey stands out with its deep, intense red color. On the nose, it reveals generous aromas of ripe black fruits, cassis, and plum, enhanced by delicate spicy and oaky notes from barrel aging. On the palate, the attack is full and velvety, supported by silky tannins and a beautiful freshness. The balance between Merlot and Cabernet Franc provides an elegant structure and a long, refined finish. This wine gracefully expresses the full richness of its terroir.
