CHATEAU D’AIGUILHE AND THE VON NEIPPERG FAMILY
BETWEEN VITICULTURE AND DIPLOMACY SINCE FOREVER
The story of theVon Neipperg familyTheir lineage spans 800 years. Descended from the Austrian nobility, the members of this family have always maintained political, military, and wine-related ties within the Prussian Empire. In the 12th century, they fought in defense of the Holy Roman Empire. Later, they also served as advisors to the Austrian imperial family.
This family began cultivating vines in the 13th century. It wasn't until the arrival of Stephan Von Neipperg in 1970 that the family expanded its focus beyond German vineyards to include Bordeaux. While this illustrious Prussian family was beginning its viticulture, in France...Aiguilhe CastleIt essentially boils down to forestry operations on the Aiguilhe estate. During the Hundred Years' War, this area served as a strategic zone. Long owned by the Leberthon family, Bordeaux parliamentarians, the property was abandoned during the French Revolution. Etienne Martineau later purchased the estate.
The acquisition of “the most beautiful vineyard on the Bordeaux coast”, byStephan and Sigweis Von NeippergThis was done in 1998. Since then, they have been working to ensure environmentally friendly viticulture that enhances the Castillon region.
FROM BATTLEFIELD TO VINEYARD
THE TERROIR OF AIGUILHE CASTLE
The Château comprises 140 hectares, 90 of which are dedicated to viticulture. The 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc grapes for the reds, and the 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes for the whites, flourish within the appellation.Castillon Côte-de-BordeauxFacing due south on clay-limestone and clay-silt soil, the vines benefit from an ideal location to reach perfect maturity.Aiguilhe Castle, one of the most beautiful vineyards in Castillon, is cultivated inbiodynamicswithout being certified. As with other areas of theVon Neipperg familyThe vines are placed in ideal conditions to reveal all the finesse of a terroir maintained with the greatest care.
Unique expertise
AT THE SERVICE OF A LUXURIOUS WINE
In strict accordance with biodynamic principles, the 90 hectares of vines are harvested by hand. The grapes undergo two sorting processes: the first before destemming and the second after. Winemaking is orchestrated by the duo thatStephan Von NeippergAndStéphane DerenoncourtThe wines are first vinified in temperature-controlled wooden and concrete vats for 25 to 30 days, depending on the vintage. Extraction is carried out using pneumatic punch-downs. Aging then takes place over 15 to 18 months in new oak barrels, on fine lees. Fining and filtration are also performed according to the year's weather conditions. The resulting wine is of high quality and reveals itself with great power. The owner describes the wines of Château d'Aiguilhe as "a luxury product crafted with the care of artisans."
