Château Dalem
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Château Dalem, a historic estate in Saillans (Fronsac), is managed by Brigitte Rullier Loussert and her son Charles Pouvreau. It is renowned for its 25-hectare vineyard and its red wines crafted predominantly from Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Identity
Château Dalem is a winegrowing estate located in Saillans, in the Gironde department. The Rullier family has owned the property since 1955, when it was acquired by Michel Rullier. In 2002, his daughter Brigitte Rullier Loussert took over the management of the estate. In 2018, she was joined by her son, Charles Pouvreau. The estate's consultant oenologist is Éric Boissenot. Château Dalem also owns Château de La Huste.
History and philosophy
The Château Dalem vineyard was established in 1610. The Rullier family took the helm of the estate in 1955. A new milestone was reached with the construction of a new cellar, with work commencing in 2017 ahead of its inauguration in 2019. The estate holds Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification.
Appellations
Château Dalem produces wines under the Fronsac appellation. The estate is set on the hillsides of Saillans.
Practical information
Château Dalem is located at 1, Dalem, 33141 Saillans. The estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 (0)5 57 84 34 18 or by email at contact@chateaudalem.com. The tasting and sales room is open from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00. The estate offers tastings and tours by appointment. Virtual tours are also available via Google Maps.
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Château Dalem located and who runs it today?
- Château Dalem is located in Saillans, in the Gironde department. The Rullier family has owned the estate since 1955. Brigitte Rullier Loussert has been managing the property since 2002, and her son Charles Pouvreau joined her in 2018. The estate's consultant oenologist is Éric Boissenot, helping ensure the high quality of the wines produced at this winegrowing property.
- What are the characteristics of the Château Dalem vineyard?
- The Château Dalem vineyard covers 25 hectares across 15 parcels, featuring the region's typical clay-limestone soils. The average age of the vines is approximately 38 to 40 years. The grape varieties are dominated by Merlot (85% to 90%) and Cabernet Franc (9% to 15%), sometimes complemented by a small proportion of Malbec. The estate holds Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification, reflecting its commitment to environmentally sound viticultural practices.
- How are vinification and ageing carried out at Château Dalem?
- Vinification at Château Dalem is carried out on a plot-by-plot basis in temperature-controlled concrete and stainless-steel vats. Maceration lasts between 23 and 28 days. Malolactic fermentation may take place partially or fully in oak barrels. Ageing lasts 16 to 18 months in a cellar maintained at 14 degrees. For this ageing process, 40% of the barrels are new and sourced from 6 to 7 renowned French cooperages.
- What styles of wine does Château Dalem produce and what certifications does it hold?
- Château Dalem primarily produces wines under the Fronsac appellation, led by its flagship cuvée bearing the estate's name. The blends are predominantly composed of Merlot (around 85% to 90%) and Cabernet Franc (around 9% to 15%), occasionally with a touch of Malbec (1%). Annual production ranges between 90,000 and 100,000 bottles. The estate is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE), highlighting its dedication to sustainable winegrowing practices.
The vineyard (terroir)
The vineyard covers an area of 25 hectares, divided into 15 parcels. The soils are clay-limestone. The average age of the vines is around 38 to 40 years. Harvesting is carried out by hand, with sorting conducted both before and after destemming, including densimetric sorting. The grape varieties comprise Merlot (85% to 90%) and Cabernet Franc (9% to 15%), occasionally complemented by a small proportion of Malbec (1%).
Flagship cuvées
Château Dalem crafts a principal cuvée bearing the estate's name, Château Dalem. The blends vary depending on the vintage but are predominantly made up of Merlot (around 85% to 90%) and Cabernet Franc (around 9% to 15%), sometimes with a touch of Malbec (1%). Annual production stands at approximately 90,000 to 100,000 bottles. Another cuvée is also produced, Château de La Huste.
Vinification and ageing
Vinification is conducted plot by plot. Fermentations take place in temperature-controlled concrete and stainless-steel vats. Maceration generally lasts between 23 and 28 days. Malolactic fermentation may take place partially or entirely in barrels. Ageing lasts between 16 and 18 months in a cellar kept at 14 degrees. The oak barrels, 40% of which are new, are sourced from renowned French forests, with the estate working with 6 to 7 different cooperages.
- Appellation
- Fronsac
- Commune
- Saillans
- Wine region
- Libournais
- Classification
- Fronsac
- Owner
- Brigitte Rullier Loussert
- Technical direction
- Éric Boissenot
- Surface area
- 25 ha
- Second wine
- Château de La Huste
- Certifications
- HVE
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 85%, Cabernet Franc 15%
Practical information
- Address
- 1, Dalem, 33141 SAILLANS
- Phone
- 05 57 84 34 18
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Opening hours
- De 9h à 12h et de 14h à 18h.
- Visits
- Visite virtuelle sur Google Maps