Château Citran

Identity

Château Citran is an estate located in Avensan, Gironde. It has been owned by the Merlaut-Villars family since 1996. The consulting oenologist is Monsieur Éric Boissenot. The château has been listed as a Historic Monument since 2012.

History and philosophy

The history of Château Citran dates back to the 13th century with the Donissan de Citran family, who owned it until 1832. The estate was then acquired by Monsieur Clauzel in 1832. After 1945, the Miailhe family took the helm of the property, carrying out major restoration work until 1987. A Japanese group owned it from 1987 until 1996, when the Merlaut family acquired the estate.

The estate is committed to environmentally respectful viticulture, with a third of the vineyard partly managed using organic farming methods. Practices such as planting cover crops every other row are implemented to improve soil structure.

The appellations

Château Citran produces wines under the Haut-Médoc, Moulis, Médoc and Bordeaux appellations.

Flagship wines

The estate's Grand Vin is Château Citran, a red wine blended from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It is typically aged in oak barrels, one-third of which are new, for around 15 months. The estate also produces a second wine, Les Moulins de Citran, and a rosé cuvée, La Rosée de Citran. A still white wine, Cuvée Callypso, is also crafted from a blend that includes Muscadelle.

Practical information

Address: 30 Citran, 33480 Avensan

Telephone: +33 7 60 26 17 52

Email: info@aliceaupaysdespaons.fr

The cellar shop is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm, by appointment. Tastings are available at the estate. Paid tours (€10 per person) include a visit to the cellars and a tasting of three wines, lasting 30 to 45 minutes. The estate accommodates groups of 10 or more people. Tours are available in French and English. The site is accessible to visitors with disabilities (auditory, cognitive, motor, visual). Pets are not permitted.

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The vineyard (terroir)

The vineyard of Château Citran covers more than 100 hectares. It consists of two distinct areas: one surrounding the château and the other around the village of Avensan. The soils are sandy gravel and clay-limestone, resting on a calcaire à astéries limestone subsoil. The average age of the vines is 35 years. The grape variety distribution is dominated by Merlot (50%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (5%).

Vinification and ageing

Vinification is overseen by consulting oenologist Monsieur Éric Boissenot. Ageing of the Grand Vin takes place over 15 months in oak barrels, with around one-third new oak, selected from cooperages. Bottling is carried out at Château Citran.