Located southeast of Bordeaux, Chateau des Antonins is a family-run estate steeped in history. The estate, built in the 13th century, owes its name to the Antonins monks who lived there for 500 years. A large part still survives today, including a toll bridge, chapel, monastery and various windmills. Phylloxera destroyed the vineyards in the late 19th century but the de Roquefeuil family, who have owned the estate since the 1850s, have gradually replanted vines, which today cover 25 hectares. Geoffroy and Martine de Roquefeuil took over in 1985, and have moved to sustainable farming. Their son Antoine spent time working in New Zealand before returning to the family estate as head winemaker in 2016. He took over management of the estate in 2020.

The vineyards sit on the left bank of the Garonne river. Only five hectares are planted with white grapes, split between 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. The vines lie on predominantly sandy-loam soil, which lends an elegance and lifted acidity to the wine. The remaining 20 hectares are planted with 65% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc on clay-gravel soil, which results in approachable wines with an excellent fruit concentration.

Vineyards

Chateau des Antonins is located on the left bank of the Garonne, south of Graves. The red varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc are planted on clay gravel soils, producing wines with powerful and pure fruit concentration. All of the vineyards are managed sustainably and with the use of cover crops to avoid erosion and aerate the soils.

Vinification

50% Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Merlot

The grapes were de-stemmed before undergoing maceration on their skins for between twenty to thirty days, with regular pumping over to ensure a gentle extraction. Fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperatures of between 27 and 30C. The final blend was kept in stainless steel prior to bottling in August 2021.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in colour, this wine is wonderfully complex on the nose revealing layers of pure red fruit coupled with subtle hints of black cherry and spice. Supple on the palate, full of charm, fine tannins provide structure and a vibrant acidity carries the flavours onto the lingering finish.