What is the appellation of Château d'Eck wines?

Château d'Eck produces its wines under the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée Pessac-Léognan. This appellation applies to both the red and white wines produced at the estate, guaranteeing their origin and their adherence to regional specifications.

Who owns Château d'Eck and since when?

Château d'Eck is owned by the Famille Gonet, operating under the name SCEV Michel Gonet & Fils. It was Frédéric Gonet who acquired the estate in 1999, subsequently undertaking extensive restoration work and replanting of the vineyard.

What are the historical origins of Château d'Eck?

Château d'Eck is a medieval building, constructed as a fortress in the late 11th century. It served as a residence for the bishops of Bordeaux from the 13th to the 15th century and was formerly known as Freytets. It still retains a characteristic medieval architecture.

What types of wines does Château d'Eck produce and what are their characteristics?

Château d'Eck produces a red wine, predominantly composed of Merlot and aged 12 months in oak barrels, aiming for fruit and suppleness, with cellaring potential. It also produces a white wine, recognised for its balance between freshness and minerality.

Château d'Eck - Pessac-Léognan - History and Bordeaux Wines

Identity

Château d'Eck is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Cadaujac, in the heart of the Gironde department. Owned by the Famille Gonet, through SCEV Michel Gonet & Fils, it was acquired by Frédéric Gonet in 1999.

History and Philosophy

The history of Château d'Eck dates back to the late 11th century, when it was built as a fortified castle. Its original structure comprised four towers, a perimeter wall, machicolations, and loopholes, of which it still retains its medieval appearance today, particularly its high walls and pepperpot turrets. Over the centuries, the estate changed its name, formerly being known as Freytets (or Fruitets), before adopting its current name.

Between the 13th and 15th centuries, the château served as a residence for the bishops of Bordeaux, testifying to its historical importance in the region. Following its acquisition in 1999 by Frédéric Gonet, restoration work was undertaken. These efforts aimed to preserve the built heritage, with the restoration of the roofs and historic stonework, and to renew the winegrowing potential through the replanting of part of the vineyard.

The Appellations

Château d'Eck produces its wines under the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) Pessac-Léognan. This appellation, renowned for its red and white wines, extends over the commune of Cadaujac, where the estate's plots are located.

The Flagship Wines

Château d'Eck offers two main wines: Château d'Eck red and Château d'Eck white, both produced under the Pessac-Léognan AOC.

The Château d'Eck red is focused on fruit expression and suppleness. It is designed to be a cellaring wine, capable of developing its complexity over time.

The Château d'Eck white is characterised by a balance between freshness and minerality, offering an expression unique to the Pessac-Léognan terroir for dry white wines.

Winemaking and Ageing

The Château d'Eck red is aged for a period of 12 months in oak barrels. To maintain the quality and expression of the wine, one third of the barrels is renewed each year, allowing for a measured oak influence and harmonious evolution of the wine.

Practical Information

The full contact details (detailed physical address, telephone number, public email address) for Château d'Eck, as well as information regarding any opening hours for the sales cellar, tasting arrangements, or visitor reception conditions, are not documented in our sources.

Find out more

Official estate website

Frequently asked questions

What is the appellation of Château d'Eck wines?: Château d'Eck produces its wines under the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée Pessac-Léognan. This appellation applies to both the red and white wines produced at the estate, guaranteeing their origin and their adherence to regional specifications.
Who owns Château d'Eck and since when?: Château d'Eck is owned by the Famille Gonet, operating under the name SCEV Michel Gonet & Fils. It was Frédéric Gonet who acquired the estate in 1999, subsequently undertaking extensive restoration work and replanting of the vineyard.
What are the historical origins of Château d'Eck?: Château d'Eck is a medieval building, constructed as a fortress in the late 11th century. It served as a residence for the bishops of Bordeaux from the 13th to the 15th century and was formerly known as Freytets. It still retains a characteristic medieval architecture.
What types of wines does Château d'Eck produce and what are their characteristics?: Château d'Eck produces a red wine, predominantly composed of Merlot and aged 12 months in oak barrels, aiming for fruit and suppleness, with cellaring potential. It also produces a white wine, recognised for its balance between freshness and minerality.

The Vineyard (Terroir)

The vineyard of Château d'Eck is characterised by a high planting density, reaching 10,000 vines per hectare. The estate benefits from a distinctive climate, with early grape ripening compared to other sectors of the appellation, as well as rainfall reported to be higher than in the immediate vicinity.

For the red wines, the grape varieties are dominated by Merlot, which represents approximately 80% of the blend, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon. The grape varieties for the white wines are not detailed.

Appellation: Pessac-Léognan
Commune: Cadaujac
Wine region: Graves & Sauternais
Owner: Famille Gonet (SCEV Michel Gonet & Fils)

Official website

Practical information

Address: Cadaujac (Gironde)
Contact form: Contact the estate
Visits: Sur rendez-vous uniquement

Location

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