Château Damas de Montdespic

Identity

Château Damas de Montdespic is a winegrowing estate owned by Madame Criaud. The estate's name combines that of its former owners, the de Damas family, with the lieu-dit where the vineyard is situated. It is located in the commune of Puisseguin in the Gironde department.

History and philosophy

The Lavau family settled on the estate in 1983. In 1997, a 4-hectare parcel was planted in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. In 2002, Château Clos Hortense, located in Saint-Émilion Grand Cru and spanning 2.20 hectares, was acquired. At the same time, part of the family property, Château Haut Dina, also in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux across 8.60 hectares, was integrated. Benjamin Lavau joined the estate in 2019. That same year, the initial 14-hectare lease was not renewed. Famille Lavau operates several winegrowing estates.

The appellations

The estate produces wines under the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellations. Famille Lavau farms 13.10 hectares in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux and 2.20 hectares in Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.

Practical information

Deliveries are available across France and internationally. Cellar-door sales are available by appointment. For all enquiries, the telephone number is 06 07 31 72 35.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The total surface area farmed by Famille Lavau is 15 hectares. Château Damas de Montdespic covers 4.50 hectares. Its soils consist of clay-limestone slopes, benefiting from a southerly exposure. The grape varieties planted at Château Damas de Montdespic comprise Merlot (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%), and Cabernet Franc (15%). The overall planting density ranges from 3,000 to 5,500 vines per hectare.

Château Haut Dina, located in the commune of Gardegan et Tourtirac, accounts for 8.60 hectares with clay and clay-limestone soils. Its grape varieties are Merlot (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), and Malbec (15%). The planting density for this vineyard ranges between 3,000 and 5,000 vines per hectare.

Château Clos Hortense, situated in Saint Christophe des Bardes, covers 2.20 hectares with clay-limestone and clay terroirs. The grape varieties planted here are Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), and Cabernet Franc (25%).

Soil management includes natural grass cover on every third row, with the other two rows receiving shallow surface tillage.

Key cuvées

Château Damas de Montdespic

Vinification for this cuvée is traditional and takes place in stainless steel vats. Ageing is carried out in oak barrels for twelve months.

Château Haut Dina

The wines of Château Haut Dina are vinified in stainless steel vats, with maceration lasting between 3 and 4 weeks. Ageing takes place in stainless steel vats for 24 months.

Château Clos Hortense

Château Clos Hortense offers a classic cuvée, aged in stainless steel vats, and a prestige cuvée. For the prestige cuvée, ageing is carried out 75% in new barrels (French, American, and Eastern European oak) and 25% in vats.