Region | Bordeaux (Francia) |
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Foundation Year | 1610 |
Address | Château-le-Puy, 33570 Saint Cibard (Francia) |
That of Château le Puy is a true Bordeaux winemaking dynasty, which began back in 1610 and is now in its 15th generation. For more than four centuries, the Amoreau family has been at the helm of the estate. They have always interpreted the territory of le Puy, located on the high plateau on the right bank of the Dordogne River, the second highest geodetic point in the Gironde département, with loyalty and respect. Indeed, the appellation 'le Puy' indicates a high point, like the top of a hill, and was attributed to the place in Roman times. From the beginning, the Amoreau family associated wine-growing with secondary activities, such as wheat cultivation and jobs as blacksmith, weaver and cooper. However, the winemaking passion has always remained central and each generation has made improvements, showing constant respect for the terroir. Today's winery building was built in 1830 and as far back as 1868 Barthélemy Amoreau began to question whether the use of sulphur dioxide was really necessary in oenology. In 1924, Jean Amoreau banned synthetic chemistry from the vineyards and in 1964 the Château became one of the first in all of Bordeaux to obtain organic certification. In 1990, the first sulphur-free bottlings were made by Jean-Pierre and Pascal Amoreau, following in the footsteps of their ancestor Barthélemy. The adoption of biodynamic practices, the installation of bee houses, the use of agroforestry and the drastic reduction in water use are all foundations that define the Amoreau's sustainable philosophy.
The vineyards of Château le Puy, spread over more than 50 hectares, are reserved for the Bordeaux varieties Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Carmenère and Sémillon. These are grown using truly sustainable practices based on organic and biodynamic agriculture. The same genuine approach is adopted in the cellar, with minimalist oenology based on spontaneous fermentation in open cement vats and the exclusion of additives and oenological aids. For ageing, barriques and large barrels of several passages are used, so that the wood never interferes with the purity of the wine.
The result is an artisanal and genuine production that expresses the most authentic and sincere side of Bordeaux. Each label reflects the identity style of Château le Puy, the result of more than 400 years of experience in sustainable winemaking.