Château d'Ardennes
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Château d'Ardennes is a winegrowing estate in the Graves appellation, located in Illats. Owned by the Dubrey family since 1968, it practices sustainable viticulture (lutte raisonnée) and produces dry red and white wines.
Identity
Château d'Ardennes is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Illats, in the Gironde département. SCEA CH. D'ARDENNES is the producer. The estate has been a member of the Vignerons Indépendants since 1992.
History and philosophy
The history of Château d'Ardennes is long-standing, with medieval architectural origins dating back to the 12th century. The Dubrey family has been established in the region since the 17th century and acquired the estate in the late 1960s, precisely in 1968. Historical owners include Jeanne de Lestonnac, niece of Montaigne. In 2021, the estate was taken over by Michel Pélissié. Château d'Ardennes is committed to a sustainable viticulture approach (lutte raisonnée).
Appellations
Château d'Ardennes produces red and dry white wines under the Graves appellation. The parcels are located 35 kilometres south-east of Bordeaux.
Practical information
Château d'Ardennes is located at 1, Ardennes, 33720 Illats. The estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 5 56 76 76 61 or by email at contact@chateau-ardennes.com. Cellar door opening hours are daily from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with weekend visits available on Saturdays and Sundays by appointment. The estate is closed during harvest. Mail order sales are available.
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Château d'Ardennes located?
- Château d'Ardennes is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Illats, in the Gironde département. It is situated approximately 35 kilometres south-east of Bordeaux. The estate is located at the following address: 1, Ardennes, 33720 Illats. It has been a member of the Vignerons Indépendants since 1992.
- What are the grape varieties planted at Château d'Ardennes for its red and white wines?
- For the red wines, the grape varieties at Château d'Ardennes consist of 45% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. For the dry white wines, the blend is mainly composed of Sémillon (70–75%) and Sauvignon Blanc (25–30%), along with a proportion of Muscadelle (5%).
- What is the history of Château d'Ardennes and who is the current owner?
- Château d'Ardennes has a long history, with medieval architectural origins dating back to the 12th century. The Dubrey family acquired the estate in 1968. Historical owners include Jeanne de Lestonnac, niece of Montaigne. Since 2021, the estate has been managed by Michel Pélissié.
- What are the characteristics of the Château d'Ardennes vineyard?
- The Château d'Ardennes vineyard covers an area of 63.5 hectares. Its soils consist of gravel and clay-limestone. The average age of the vines is 35 years. The estate practices sustainable viticulture (lutte raisonnée) and installed a wastewater treatment plant for winery effluent in 2001. Harvesting is conducted both manually and mechanically.
The vineyard (terroir)
The Château d'Ardennes vineyard covers an area of 63.5 hectares. The soils are composed of gravel and clay-limestone. The average age of the vines is 35 years. For the red wines, the grape varieties planted are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The area dedicated to the production of red Graves is 44 hectares. For the white wines, the grape varieties are mainly Sémillon (70–75%) and Sauvignon Blanc (25–30%), complemented by a proportion of Muscadelle (5%). The area devoted to dry white Graves is 19.5 hectares. Harvesting is carried out both manually and mechanically. In 2001, the estate built a wastewater treatment plant to process winery effluent.
Flagship cuvées
The estate's main cuvée is Château d'Ardennes, available in red and dry white. The red wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, displaying a tannic structure that gives it good ageing potential. The dry white wine is crafted from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Vinification and ageing
The wines of Château d'Ardennes undergo ageing in vats and oak barrels, contributing to their complexity and ageing potential.
- Appellation
- Graves
- Commune
- Illats
- Wine region
- Graves & Sauternais
- Owner
- Michel Pélissié
- Technical direction
- CYRIL DUBREY
- Surface area
- 63.5 ha
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 45%, Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Petit Verdot 5%, Sémillon 75%, Sauvignon Blanc 25%, Muscadelle 5%
Practical information
- Address
- 1, Ardennes, 33720 Illats
- Phone
- +33 5 56 76 76 61
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Opening hours
- Tous les jours de 8h30 à 12h et de 14h à 17h. Samedi et dimanche sur rendez-vous. Fermeture durant les vendanges.
- Visits
- Non