Château Bigaroux
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Château Bigaroux is a family-owned winegrowing estate in Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, certified organic (Agriculture Biologique). Acquired in 2012 by the Bouzignac family, it crafts wines from an over-70-year-old vineyard farmed with sustainable viticulture.
Identity
Château Bigaroux is a family wine estate located in the commune of Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, in Gironde. It is owned by the Bouzignac family. The estate's consultant oenologist is Marie Traissac.
History and philosophy
Château Bigaroux was acquired by the Bouzignac family in 2012. From that very year, the property eliminated the use of chemical herbicides. Beginning in 2015, the estate introduced integral vinification and started developing two distinct cuvées.
The appellations
The wines of Château Bigaroux are produced under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation.
Practical information
Château Bigaroux is located at 456 Route de Plaisance, 33330 Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens. The estate welcomes visitors for tastings and tours throughout the year, Monday to Sunday, morning and afternoon. Tastings can be hosted on-site or arranged upon request in other locations across France. The estate also offers accommodation. Pets are welcome and parking is available on-site. Languages spoken for visits include English. Accepted payment methods are credit/debit card, cash, cheque, and American Express.
For sales inquiries, the telephone number is +33 6 25 00 33 69. For the cellar, call +33 6 36 77 35 49. The email address is chateaubigaroux@gmail.com.
Find out more
Official estate websiteFrequently asked questions
- What is the surface area of the vineyard and what are its geological characteristics?
- The Château Bigaroux vineyard covers an area of one hectare. The vines, with an average age exceeding 70 years, are planted on sandy-clay soils. The plots mainly face south-west, benefiting from a position at the foot of the Saint-Émilion slopes. This combination of terroir and sun exposure contributes directly to the character of the estate's wines.
- What viticultural practices are implemented at Château Bigaroux?
- Château Bigaroux is committed to sustainable viticulture (viticulture raisonnée). In 2012, the estate completely eliminated the use of chemical weedkillers. Vineyard management includes four-way soil ploughing (méthode des 4 façons), organic soil amendments, and a progressive reduction in fungicides. Plant-based teas and herbal macerations are also utilised. Pruning is carried out in single Guyot and the harvest is done entirely by hand.
- What are the main cuvées produced by Château Bigaroux and their characteristics?
- Château Bigaroux produces two distinct cuvées under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. The "Prestige" cuvée is crafted from 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, vinified via cold maceration and punch-downs in 500- and 700-litre oak barrels, then aged in new oak barrels. The "Traditionnel" cuvée is made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, vinified with maceration and punch-downs in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats, and aged in one- and two-wine 225-litre barrels.
- Does Château Bigaroux offer tours and tastings to the public?
- Yes, Château Bigaroux welcomes visitors for tours and tastings all year round, Monday to Sunday, in the morning and afternoon. Tastings can be arranged directly on-site or upon request at other venues in France. The estate also provides guest accommodation and is pet-friendly. On-site parking is available and English is spoken during tours.
The vineyard (terroir)
The Château Bigaroux vineyard covers an area of 1 hectare. The vines, with an average age of over 70 years, are planted on sandy-clay soils. The plots mainly face south-west, situated at the foot of the Saint-Émilion slopes. The grape varieties consist of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pruning is carried out in single Guyot. Harvesting is done by hand. The estate practises sustainable viticulture (viticulture raisonnée), implementing traditional four-way soil ploughing (méthode des 4 façons), organic soil amendments, a progressive reduction in fungicides, and the use of herbal preparations and plant macerations.
Flagship cuvées
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Prestige
This cuvée is crafted from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Vinification is carried out via cold maceration and punch-downs (pigeage) in 500- and 700-litre oak barrels. Ageing takes place in new oak barrels.
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Traditionnel
Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this cuvée is vinified with maceration and punch-downs in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats. Ageing takes place in one- and two-wine oak barrels (225 litres).
Vinification and ageing
Vinification at Château Bigaroux involves maceration and punch-downs. For the Prestige cuvée, it takes place in 500- and 700-litre oak barrels, followed by ageing in new oak barrels. For the Traditionnel cuvée, vinification is conducted in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats, followed by ageing in one- and two-wine 225-litre barrels.
- Appellation
- Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
- Commune
- Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens
- Wine region
- Libournais
- Owner
- Famille Bouzignac
- Technical direction
- Marie Traissac
- Surface area
- 1 ha
- Certifications
- Bio
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 80%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%
Practical information
- Address
- 456 Route de Plaisance, 33330 Saint Sulpice de Faleyrens
- Phone
- +33 6 36 77 35 49
- Contact form
- Contact the estate