Château Carbonnieux Winery Guide
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Last updated: November 24, 2023
Winery Overview
History and architecture lovers rejoice – the beautiful winemaking property of Château Carbonnieux dates back to the 12th century, with medieval traces and remnants seamlessly incorporated into the 17th century Château. It is a stunning introduction to the properties of the Pessac – Leognan region in Bordeaux. Merely a stone’s throw away from the city of Bordeaux, the wider Graves region has always been less famous than its cousin, the Medoc but is equally capable of making stunning wines. Pessac has delightful wine châteaux, ancient history, and welcoming owners.
Vines were first planted at Carbonnieux by Benedictine monks in the 18th century. The monks were still running the show when the American president Thomas Jefferson visited here during his grand tour of the Bordeaux vineyards in 1787. Sadly, they were another casualty of the French Revolution and were evicted once it broke out. Like many others in the region, the property would experience many years of misfortune, as vine disease, the depression, and the Second World War contributed to its neglect. Thankfully the modern era of Carbonnieux saw a renaissance for the estate when Marc Perrin brought the property. The vineyards were in dire shape after that year’s frost, and the Château had been empty for half a century. Today it is run by his ever-affable son Anthony and his two sons Eric and Philibert.
Anthony has restored the Château and its wines’ reputation, particularly their white wines, with great passion and pride while pursuing his mantra of reasonably priced wine for all. Their wines may not share Haut-Brion or Margaux’s status but are consistent, reasonably priced, and highly reliable. Stylish and accessible, the reds and the whites impress tasters with their consistent quality. Anthony loves to welcome visitors to his estate and is a terrific host. For its stunning Château, lovely soft wines, and warm welcome, we cannot imagine a better introduction to the region of Pessac-Leognan.
Wines produced
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Château Carbonnieux (Grand Vin, Red)
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot and Carmenere, 16 months in 40% new oak barrels. -
La Tour-Leognan (Second red wine of the property)
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot and Carmenere, 16 months in 40% new oak barrels. Made from younger vines. Less concentration and power than the first wine. -
Château Carbonnieux (Grand Vin, White)
65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon, 10 months in 25% new oak barrels.
Winery Contact Details
Château Carbonnieux
Leognan33850 Bordeaux
France
Email: [email protected]
Tel +33 (0) 557 96 56 20
Fax +33 (0) 557 96 59 19 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
AOC Pessac-Leognan
Founded
1787
Area under Vine
90 ha
Age of vines
30 years+
Oak barrel origin
French
Winemaker
Denis Bubourdieu
Owner
Anthony Perrin
Production
500,000 bottles
Grape varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Malbec, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Semillon
Explore the allure of the Semillon grape & its legendary connection to Sauternes. Unveil the history & flavors of this captivating varietal. Cheers!
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Sauvignon Blanc
The sauvignon blanc grape varietal, originally from the Bordeaux region of France, is now one of the world's most loved white varieties.
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Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc grape is a close relative of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is the principal blending grape used in Bordeaux.
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!
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Carmenere
Carmenere, the hidden gem of grape varietals. Originally mistaken for Merlot, this Chilean native offers unique flavors of dark fruits, spice, and herbal notes. Explore the intriguing history and distinctive characteristics of Carmenere, a wine lover's delight.
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Malbec
Delve into Malbec, a dark, small grape native to France, cherished for its thick skin and exceptional flavors. 🍇🍷
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Merlot
Merlot is the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and closely related to Cabernet Franc
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Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a full-bodied red wine grape varietal used in classic Bordeaux blends and originates in southwestern France
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Author
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More information
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