Portraits of winemakers

CHÂTEAU DE BARBE BLANCHE: EXCEPTIONAL WINES EXPRESSING THE AUTHENTICITY OF TERROIRS

André Lurton Vineyards: Château de Barbe Blanche's Heritage and Innovation

The André Lurton vineyards, including Château de Barbe Blanche, are rooted in an ancient savoir-faire and cutting-edge technology, enabling them to produce high-quality cuvées while respecting the environment.

A Legacy of Splendor

With traces of vines dating back to Antiquity, Château de Barbe Blanche, located near the Gallo-Roman villa of Lucciacus (which gave Lussac its name), boasts a rich history. At the end of the 16th century, Henri de Navarre, future Henri IV, King of France, praised its excellence. Two centuries later, the château belonged to the Favereau family, lawyers at the Bordeaux Parliament, who maintained its reputation, particularly among monks of the powerful Cistercian Abbey of Faize, one of whose abbots was none other than Montesquieu's brother. The vineyard continued to develop under various owners, who were involved in the agricultural committees of Saint-Emilion. In the 2000s, the André Lurton vineyards acquired 50% of this beautiful 28-hectare estate (with the other half belonging to Mr. André Magnon). They invested in state-of-the-art equipment and redesigned the entire winery, including a state-of-the-art air-pulsed sorting system.

André Lurton: A Passion for Terroirs

A pioneer in the wine world, André Lurton fell in love with the unique terroir of Château de Barbe Blanche. In addition to being the first to establish a wine laboratory to assist vintners, André Lurton was deeply involved in defending the wine industry. This terroir enthusiast revived remarkable estates like Château la Louvière and played an active role in numerous agricultural and wine organizations such as CIVB, the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur Wine Syndicate, and the Pessac-Léognan Wine Syndicate. He also initiated the creation of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, for which he worked tirelessly.

Exceptional Wines Reflecting a Unique Terroir

André Lurton personally oversees various estates, including Château de Barbe Blanche. His credo? To make each vintage exceptional and to express the terroirs with utmost authenticity. The team at Château de Barbe Blanche pays particular attention to the vines and performs meticulous work with constant demands during vinification and aging. Located at 87 meters above sea level on a limestone plateau, the vineyard of Château de Barbe Blanche is one of the highest points in the Saint-Emilion area. Already practicing sustainable agriculture, the vineyard is also undergoing HVE (High Environmental Value) certification. Naturally well-ventilated and well-exposed due to this unique position, the Merlots thrive here. The shallow soils, ranging from 0 to 10 cm, allow the vines to plunge directly into the limestone slab. This feature gives the berries a unique expression, resulting in exceptional wines after a full vinification process. Their style? Fruity, dense, deep wines with great finesse and freshness. Château de Barbe Blanche is especially known for its aromas of red and black fruits (blackberry, cherry, raspberry) and its structured, long finish. This elegant cuvée pairs beautifully with a prime rib, duck breast, or even Dim Sum for a touch of originality. The second wine, Château Tour de Ségur, is a very fruity cuvée with notes of black cherry and crushed raspberry, offering a roundness that complements a lamb curry or beef stew with carrots. For upcoming vintages, the bottles will receive a complete redesign. Stay tuned!