Château Clos de Sarpe
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Château Clos de Sarpe is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, owned by the Beyney family since 1923. Committed to organic farming from the very beginning, it cultivates 3.70 ha of vines on a clay-limestone terroir.
Identity
Château Clos de Sarpe is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, close to Saint-Émilion. The property is owned by Jean-Guy Beyney, who represents the third generation of his family at the helm of the estate. Château Clos de Sarpe holds the Grand Cru Classé classification in AOC Saint-Émilion.
History and philosophy
The estate was established in 1868. The Beyney family acquired the property in 1923, and Jean-Guy Beyney took over the estate in 1983. From the moment of its acquisition in 1923, Château Clos de Sarpe adopted organic viticulture across its vineyard—a commitment that continues to this day.
Appellations
Château Clos de Sarpe produces wines under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation.
Practical information
Château Clos de Sarpe offers cellar-door sales and organises tastings. The tasting cellar is open from Monday to Friday. Groups can be accommodated. The estate is accessible by bus. Staff speak English.
Address: Lieu dit Sarpe, 33330 Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes
Telephone: 05 57 72 24 39
Email: chateau@closdesarpe.com
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
- What is the classification of Château Clos de Sarpe?
- Château Clos de Sarpe achieved Grand Cru Classé status in 2022 within the Saint-Émilion appellation. This distinction underlines the quality and prestige of its wines within the Bordeaux vineyard. The classification applies to wines produced under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, recognising the meticulous work carried out on the estate's distinctive terroir and the crafting of its cuvées.
- What is the composition of the vineyard at Château Clos de Sarpe?
- The 3.7-hectare vineyard at Château Clos de Sarpe is situated on a clay-limestone plateau, with clay-limestone soils over molasse du Fronsadais. The grape varieties are dominated by Merlot (85%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (15%). The vines have an average age of 65 years, and the estate practices organic viticulture, an enduring commitment maintained since its acquisition in 1923.
- What vinification and ageing methods are used at Château Clos de Sarpe?
- Vinification at Château Clos de Sarpe is conducted in concrete vats. The wines are subsequently aged in oak barrels, with 70% new oak and 30% barrels of one wine or more. This ageing process can last up to eighteen months, shaping wines produced from old vines under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. Harvesting is performed entirely by hand.
- Does Château Clos de Sarpe offer tours or tastings?
- Yes, Château Clos de Sarpe welcomes visitors for wine tastings and cellar-door sales. The tasting cellar is open from Monday to Friday. The estate can also host groups and the staff speak English, ensuring a warm welcome for international visitors. The property is accessible by bus and is located in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes.
The vineyard (terroir)
The Château Clos de Sarpe vineyard covers 3.70 hectares. It is located on a clay-limestone plateau, featuring clay-limestone soils over molasse du Fronsadais. The average age of the vines is 65 years. The grape varieties planted consist of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. The estate is farmed organically.
Flagship cuvées
The wines of Château Clos de Sarpe are crafted from old vines. For example, the 2011 vintage comes from sixty-five-year-old vines. Harvesting is carried out by hand.
Vinification and ageing
Vinification takes place in concrete vats. The wines are aged in barrels, with 70% new oak and 30% one-wine barrels or older. This ageing period can extend over eighteen months, as was the case for the 2011 vintage.
- Appellations
- Saint-Émilion, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
- Commune
- Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes
- Wine region
- Libournais
- Classification
- Grand Cru Classé (2022)
- Owner
- Jean-Guy Beyney
- Surface area
- 3.7 ha
- Second wine
- Charles de Sarpe
- Certifications
- Bio
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 85%, Cabernet Franc 15%
Practical information
- Address
- Lieu dit Sarpe, 33330 Saint Christophe des Bardes
- Phone
- 05 57 72 24 39
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Opening hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
- Visits
- Oui