Portraits of winemakers

CHÂTEAU NODOZ: POWERFUL, ELEGANT WINES FOR EVERY OCCASION

Château Nodoz: Tradition, Elegance, and Environmental Respect

From Jurists to Vignerons

Sandrine and Jean-François Magdeleine-Cenac, both jurists by profession in Bordeaux, decided to take on a new challenge: reviving Sandrine's family vineyard, Château Nodoz. The property, spanning 42 hectares, has been in the Magdeleine family since 1930, originally acquired by Sandrine's grandfather after World War II. Initially, the vineyard was a secondary activity, but in the 1980s, Sandrine's father replanted vines and restored the estate's buildings. The estate features a beautiful property with a crenellated tower and a superb mansion built by its first owner, Mr. Bordes, a renowned Bordeaux wine merchant and shipowner before the French Revolution. As the third generation of the Magdeleine family to manage the estate, Jean-François and Sandrine embarked on this venture in 1999 and 2001, respectively. Jean-François handles the technical aspects, from vinification to bottling, while Sandrine manages the administrative and financial aspects of the estate, even earning a degree in agricultural management later in life.

Powerful Wines Crafted with Environmental Integrity

From the outset, Sandrine and Jean-François set a clear goal: “to produce high-quality wines while respecting the environment.” To achieve this, they minimized the use of additives and implemented a new waste management system called Héliosec. They have already earned the AREA certification (Agriculture Respectueuse de l’Environnement en Nouvelle-Aquitaine) and are working towards obtaining the HVE (High Environmental Value) certification.

Their vineyards, spread across three communes—Tauriac, Lansac, and Bourg-sur-Gironde—boast three distinct terroirs, including beautiful clay-limestone soils with slopes. This diversity allows them to create intriguing blends. In Bourg-sur-Gironde, their vineyards benefit from a microclimate near the Dordogne River, providing humidity that helps the vines resist frost.

Regarding the wine style, Sandrine and Jean-François have adapted to the tastes of their consumers while maintaining the traditional style of Côtes de Bourg wines. The result is wines that are both powerful and refined. For example, their Château Galau cuvée, aged in barrels for only 5 to 6 months, achieves finesse in its tannins, as Sandrine explains. This cuvée delights with its aromas of ripe red and black fruits, a subtle hint of oak, and soft tannins. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially a Provençal lamb chop. Their flagship wine, Château Nodoz, has established the estate's reputation. Aged for 16 months in new barrels, this powerful and well-balanced wine, with its rich black fruit aromas, is a wine for aging. It can easily be stored for over five years and pairs perfectly with an entrecôte à la bordelaise with mushrooms or a cheese platter.

If you’re passing through Tauriac, now you know where to stop!