Portraits of winemakers

BOURCEAU VINEYARDS, FROM FATHER TO SON.

Vignobles Bourceau: From Father to Son

Since 1835, the Vignobles Bourceau have continuously expanded and refined their expertise from father to son. Located in two Bordeaux appellations, their three châteaux produce AOC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, AOC Côtes de Bourg, and AOC Bordeaux Rosé. It is on the green, rolling hills along the right bank of the Dordogne, in this historic wine cradle between Berson and Saint-Trojan, that Wilfried Bourceau has recently inherited the estate. After many years traveling the wine world, he has taken over this growing vineyard with one goal in mind: transitioning to organic farming, with the help of his father.

The Estate’s History: A Vineyard to Watch

Château la Gamaye, located in the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, is the historic property of the Bourceau family. Acquired six generations ago, in 1835, the vineyard originally covered two hectares of this château. Franck, Wilfried's father, expanded the estate over time after taking over in 1983, the same year Wilfried was born. Through various acquisitions, the vineyard has grown to twenty hectares, ten times its original size. Château Terriers des Cailloux (Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux) and Château Haut Mangaud (Côtes de Bourg) have since strengthened the family business. As Franck explored these new terroirs, he modernized and innovated his wines while respecting Bordeaux’s traditions. After a year of winemaking in South Africa and ten years traveling through the wine world, Wilfried now takes up this legacy, aiming to continue the innovation through organic viticulture and wine tourism.

Refreshing and Elegant Wines

In white, the family offers a typically Bordeaux blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Château la Gamaye Terres Blanches, AOC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, is a white wine aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its fruit. It features vibrant citrus notes, an elegantly fruity taste, and lively, fresh acidity. In rosé, the fruity aromatic profile of Merlot is showcased. The AOC Bordeaux Rosé, Château La Gamaye Première Presse, also provides a refreshing wine with effervescent notes and sweet forest fruit aromas. As is customary in Bordeaux, the vineyard produces quality red wines. For example, Château Terriers des Cailloux boasts vibrant cherry notes. Another standout is Château Haut Mangaud, the only one in the AOC Côtes de Bourg, which delights with blackcurrant, licorice, and violet flavors.

Innovative Cuvées

The constant search for novelty and balance in their wines is reflected in two cuvées. The first is historic for the estate, as it was developed with the help of Wilfried, his father, and his grandfather. The cuvée Château la Gamaye Prestige is a premium cuvée produced in great vintages. Its powerful, spicy nose conceals a palate with complex, silky tannins and a beautiful length. The second is an eccentricity: a single-varietal Malbec. The cuvée Folie Rouge Malbec is a pure expression of this grape, revealing notes of blackberry, violet, and dark fruits. The texture of the tannins inspired the name and illustration of the cuvée, evoking the movement of a dancer.