Who are the current owners of Château Balac and since when?

Château Balac is currently managed by Amélie and Lionel Touchais. They represent the third generation of winemakers running the estate, having taken over in 2005. Lionel Touchais is a qualified oenologist who has overseen vinification since that time. The estate is located in Saint-Laurent-Médoc.

What is Château Balac's environmental approach and what certifications does it hold?

Château Balac is committed to eco-friendly practices. The estate achieved Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification in April 2019. It also began its conversion to organic farming in September 2019 and has been certified organic by Ecocert since 2022. All wines produced from the 2022 vintage onwards are certified organic.

What are the characteristics of the vineyard and wines of Château Balac?

The Château Balac vineyard covers 10 hectares, set on a terroir of gravel and clay. Harvesting is entirely carried out by hand. The estate produces red wines under the Haut-Médoc appellation, classified as Cru Bourgeois Supérieur since 2020. The principal cuvée is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. A cuvée without added sulphites is also produced.

What wine tourism activities are offered at Château Balac?

Château Balac offers complimentary tasting visits, available 7 days a week. Guided tours run at 10:30, 14:30, and 16:30. The estate welcomes groups and organises oenology and blending workshops, lunches/dinners, and aperitifs. Activities for children are also provided. The château can host private functions such as weddings and corporate seminars. Visitors are welcomed in both French and English.

Château Balac, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur in Haut-Médoc

Château Balac — photo principale — © Château Balac

Identity

Château Balac is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Saint-Laurent-Médoc. The property is managed by Amélie and Lionel Touchais, who represent the third generation of winemakers at the helm of the estate. Lionel Touchais, a qualified oenologist from the Université de Bordeaux, has been the estate's winemaker since 2005.

History and philosophy

The history of Château Balac dates back to the 14th century. The estate's chartreuse, listed as a Historical Monument, was restored in 1773, with its architecture attributed to Victor Louis. In 1964, Joseph and Odette Touchais acquired the estate and undertook the replanting of the vineyard in 1973. Later, Luc and Christine Touchais took over the property. Since 2005, the third generation, embodied by Amélie and Lionel Touchais, has been in charge. The first vintage produced under Lionel Touchais's direction was 2008. Château Balac is dedicated to environmentally friendly practices, having initiated its conversion to organic farming in September 2019. The estate was awarded Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification in April 2019 and has been certified organic by Ecocert since 2022. All wines produced from the 2022 vintage onwards are certified organic.

Appellations

Château Balac produces wines under the Haut-Médoc appellation. The estate has held the Cru Bourgeois Supérieur classification since 2020.

Practical information

Château Balac is situated on Route de Lesparre, 33112 Saint-Laurent-Médoc. The estate is open all year round, 7 days a week. Tasting hours are from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:30. Guided tours are available at 10:30, 14:30, and 16:30. Tasting visits are free of charge and offer the opportunity to discover three of the estate's products. Visitors are welcomed in French and English. The property accommodates groups (up to 100 people) and pets. Additional facilities and services include camper van parking, an on-site shop, click-and-collect/takeaway service, a play area, delivery options, and Wi-Fi. The tasting room is accessible to persons with reduced mobility, and coach parking is available. The estate offers a variety of wine tourism activities, such as introductory oenology workshops, blending workshops, lunches and dinners at the château, as well as aperitifs with sharing platters. Activities for children (treasure hunts, colouring, games) are also available. The château can be hired for private functions such as weddings, seminars, and private receptions. You can contact the estate by telephone on +33 5 56 59 41 76 or 06 16 10 37 08, and by email at chateaubalac@orange.fr.

Find out more

Official website of the estate

Frequently asked questions

Who are the current owners of Château Balac and since when?: Château Balac is currently managed by Amélie and Lionel Touchais. They represent the third generation of winemakers running the estate, having taken over in 2005. Lionel Touchais is a qualified oenologist who has overseen vinification since that time. The estate is located in Saint-Laurent-Médoc.
What is Château Balac's environmental approach and what certifications does it hold?: Château Balac is committed to eco-friendly practices. The estate achieved Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification in April 2019. It also began its conversion to organic farming in September 2019 and has been certified organic by Ecocert since 2022. All wines produced from the 2022 vintage onwards are certified organic.
What are the characteristics of the vineyard and wines of Château Balac?: The Château Balac vineyard covers 10 hectares, set on a terroir of gravel and clay. Harvesting is entirely carried out by hand. The estate produces red wines under the Haut-Médoc appellation, classified as Cru Bourgeois Supérieur since 2020. The principal cuvée is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. A cuvée without added sulphites is also produced.
What wine tourism activities are offered at Château Balac?: Château Balac offers complimentary tasting visits, available 7 days a week. Guided tours run at 10:30, 14:30, and 16:30. The estate welcomes groups and organises oenology and blending workshops, lunches/dinners, and aperitifs. Activities for children are also provided. The château can host private functions such as weddings and corporate seminars. Visitors are welcomed in both French and English.

The vineyard (terroir)

The vineyard of Château Balac spans 10 hectares across soils composed of gravel and clay, characteristic of fine gravelly knolls (croupes de graves). The harvest is 100% carried out by hand.

Signature cuvées

The estate's flagship wine is Château Balac, a red wine crafted from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The property also offers a cuvée named "Balac - Sans sulfites ajoutés". The wines of Château Balac are distinguished by 12 months of ageing in French oak barrels.