Château de Barbe
Updated on
Château de Barbe, a family-owned estate in Villeneuve, produces Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines across 35 hectares, with a predominance of Merlot.
Identity
Château de Barbe is a winegrowing estate located in Villeneuve, in Gironde. It has been owned by the Richard family since 1993.
History and philosophy
The history of Château de Barbe dates back to the Middle Ages, with vine growing documented as early as the 14th century. In 1706, the Chapelle de Barbe was built. Marquis de Barbe Louis-François-Ignace was the last of his lineage to hold the estate before it was sold. In 1774, the Marquis' widow sold the château to Guy Ménoire de Beaujau. The château was rebuilt by architect Guillemain, a disciple of Victor Louis.
The estate was acquired by the Richard family in 1993. Today, Château de Barbe is committed to an HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certified approach.
Appellations
Château de Barbe produces wines under the Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur appellations.
Practical information
Château de Barbe can be reached by telephone on +33 (0)5 57 42 64 00 and by email at contact@chateaudebarbe.fr. The tasting cellar is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. It is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
- What is the history of Château de Barbe?
- The history of Château de Barbe dates back to the Middle Ages, with vineyards documented as early as the 14th century. The Chapelle de Barbe was built in 1706. After belonging to the Marquis de Barbe, the estate was sold in 1774 to Guy Ménoire de Beaujau. The current château was rebuilt by architect Guillemain. The Richard family has owned it since 1993.
- What are the characteristics of the Château de Barbe vineyard?
- The Château de Barbe vineyard covers 35 hectares. It is predominantly planted with Merlot (70%), complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The soils in Côtes de Bourg are clay-limestone, composed of marls and sandy limestones, with clay-rich zones dedicated to Merlot. For the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur appellations, the soils lie at the foot of the slopes and on recent alluvium, with stonier plots for the Cabernets and Malbec.
- Which appellations are produced by Château de Barbe?
- Château de Barbe produces wines under various Bordeaux appellations, namely Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur. This diversity allows the estate to offer a varied range of wines reflecting the specific characteristics of these terroirs.
- Does Château de Barbe hold environmental certifications?
- Yes, Château de Barbe is committed to environmentally friendly viticulture. The estate holds HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certification, which attests to Château de Barbe's dedication to agricultural practices that preserve biodiversity and minimise environmental impact.
The vineyard (terroir)
The Château de Barbe vineyard spans 35 hectares. Merlot is the main grape variety, accounting for 70% of the plantings, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.
The soils of the Côtes de Bourg appellation are characterised by a clay-limestone substrate, combining marls and sandy limestones. The clay soils, being later-ripening, are dedicated to Merlot. For the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur appellation plots, the soils are situated at the foot of the slopes and in recent alluvial deposits (palus). Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec are grown on stonier soils.
Flagship cuvées
The estate offers several cuvées, including Château de Barbe (a red wine in the Côtes de Bourg appellation), as well as the Hipster de Barbe, Chapelle de Barbe, Chapelle de Brivazac and Pourpre de Barbe cuvées.
- Appellations
- Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur
- Commune
- Villeneuve
- Wine region
- Les Vins de Côtes
- Owner
- Famille Richard
- Surface area
- 35 ha
- Certifications
- HVE
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 70%, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
Practical information
- Address
- 33710 Villeneuve
- Phone
- +33 (0)5 57 42 64 00
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Opening hours
- Ouvert du lundi au vendredi de 9h à 12h et de 14h à 17h. Fermé les samedis, dimanches et jours fériés.