Château Biston-Brillette

Identity

Château Biston-Brillette is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Moulis-en-Médoc, in the Gironde. The estate is currently managed by Serge and Jean-Paul Barbarin, while SCEA Malleret is the owning company. Kevin Gaillard is the estate's designated contact, and Guillaume Barbarin serves as the maître de chai. The consulting oenologist is Eric Boissenot.

History and philosophy

The history of Château Biston-Brillette dates back to the 18th century, when Monsieur Biston founded the cru. In the early 19th century, Monsieur Biston appended his name to that of the lieu-dit Brillette to form the estate's current name. By 1776, the estate's wines were already classified by the Intendance de Guyenne. Around 1860, Château Biston became Château Biston-Brillette and was recorded as a 1er Cru Bourgeois Supérieur de Moulis. In 1930, Monsieur Lagarde acquired the brand and the 5 hectares of vines that remained of the estate at the time. In 1963, Michel Barbarin took over the management of Château Biston-Brillette, assisted by his sons Jean-Paul and Serge. Under their stewardship, the estate was modernised and expanded. The Barbarin family developed the vineyard to reach 15 hectares within 25 years. The château was promoted to Cru Bourgeois in 2003. In 2009, a new tasting room was built. The estate follows traditional viticultural practices.

The appellations

Château Biston-Brillette produces wines under the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation.

Practical information

The estate is located at 91, route de Tiquetorte, 33480 Moulis-en-Médoc. You can contact the château by phone at 0556582286 or by email at contact@chateaubistonbrillette.com. Visitors are welcomed at the estate from Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm, preferably by appointment.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The Château Biston-Brillette vineyard spans 26 hectares, divided across three parcels. The average age of the vines is around twenty years. The soils consist of gravel and clay-limestone, split equally between the two types. The grape varieties planted comprise 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot. Grape varieties such as Malbec and Petit Verdot are also present.

Flagship cuvées

The estate produces the Château Biston-Brillette Cru Bourgeois cuvée, a red wine. It also crafts a second wine called Château Biston.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification is carried out plot by plot in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Maceration lasts between 15 and 25 days, with temperatures maintained between 22 and 28°C. Ageing extends over 20 months. The blend is assembled without filtration three months after harvest. The wine is then aged for 12 months in barrels, one-third of which are renewed with each vintage. Bottling takes place at the château after fining.