Château Barrabaque

Identity

Château Barrabaque is located in the commune of Fronsac. It is managed by Caroline Noël-Barroux, who took the helm of the estate in 2004.

History and philosophy

The history of Château Barrabaque dates back to the 18th century. The estate was founded in 1936 by Achille Noël. In 2004, Caroline Noël-Barroux, inheriting from Nicole Noël, took over the management of the property.

Château Barrabaque is committed to sustainable viticulture. The estate is HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certified and is a member of the Vignerons Indépendants. It has also achieved Apisphère and Éco-responsable certifications.

Appellations

The wines of Château Barrabaque are produced under the Canon Fronsac and Fronsac appellations.

Practical information

Château Barrabaque is located at 4 Lieu-dit Barrabaque, 33126 Fronsac. The estate is open all year round, Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm by appointment for tours and tastings. Guided walks are also available. Languages spoken are French, German, and English. Groups of up to 20 people are welcome. Accepted payment methods include payment cards and cash. Pets are not permitted.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The terroir of Château Barrabaque consists of south-facing clay-limestone soils on the hillside and clay-siliceous soils at the foot of the slopes. The grape varieties planted are predominantly Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Key cuvées

Château Barrabaque offers a range of red, white, and rosé wines. Among the red cuvées are Château Barrabaque Tradition, Château Barrabaque Prestige, Château Barrabaque Cuvée Hugo, Château Barrabaque Divin, and Merlot de Barrabaque. The estate also produces dry white wines, “Le Caprice de Caroline” and “Gourmandise de Barrabaque”, as well as rosé wines such as Barrabaque Rosé and Élégance de Barrabaque rosé. In 2025, the estate plans to launch a French single malt whisky named “L’INSOLITE”.

Cuvée Hugo, made from 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, is sourced from clay-limestone soils on the hillside and clay-siliceous soils at the foot of the slopes. Vinification includes meticulous sorting of the harvested grapes after destemming and fermentation in temperature-controlled concrete vats. Ageing takes place partially in 3- to 4-year-old oak barrels.

Cuvée Ephémère 2024, made of 95% Merlot and 5% Malbec, is aged for 18 months, with 30% in new oak barrels.

Barrabaque Divin, a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Malbec, comes from clay-limestone soils on the hillside. The harvest is carried out by hand in small crates, followed by rigorous sorting. Fermentations take place in temperature-controlled concrete vats, with malolactic fermentation in oak barrels. Ageing is carried out in new oak barrels for 18 months.

Vinification and ageing

Winemaking practices at Château Barrabaque include meticulous grape sorting after destemming and fermentation in temperature-controlled concrete vats for select cuvées. Ageing varies according to the wine, ranging from new oak barrels to seasoned oak barrels or vat ageing.