What environmental certifications does Château de Candale hold?

Château de Candale is certified in Agriculture Biologique and holds the European Organic label, demonstrating its commitment to environmentally respectful practices. These certifications guarantee sustainable viticultural methods without synthetic chemicals, promoting biodiversity and soil health. The estate also holds the Vignobles & Découvertes label, underlining its dedication to wine tourism and visitor hospitality.

What is the grape variety composition at Château de Candale?

The grape variety mix at Château de Candale is predominantly composed of Merlot, which makes up 75% of the vines, and Cabernet Franc, accounting for the remaining 25%. This classic Saint-Émilion blend yields red wines characterised by their aromatic complexity, structure, and ageing capacity. The wines are produced exclusively under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation.

How does the terroir of Château de Candale influence its wines?

The terroir at Château de Candale consists of clay-limestone and clay-siliceous slopes, offering a rich diversity of micro-plots and exposures. This distinctive soil, combined with deep ploughing, encourages the vines—with an average age of 30 years—to explore the deeper layers of the terroir. This imparts a unique richness and complexity to the wines, faithfully expressing the character of their origin.

What winemaking practices are used at Château de Candale?

At Château de Candale, vinification is carried out plot by plot, meaning grapes from different parcels are vinified separately to preserve their individual characteristics. Extractions are kept gentle to retain the concentration and fruit-forward profile of the grapes rather than seeking excessive power. Harvesting is performed by hand, ensuring meticulous bunch selection and contributing to the optimal quality of the finished wines.

Château de Candale - Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Identity

Château de Candale is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Saint-Laurent-des-Combes. The estate is managed by Jean-Louis Vicard, who has also been its owner since 2010. The technical team includes Stéphane Derenoncourt as consultant oenologist, Pascal Masset as cellar master, and Florian Pommier as vineyard manager.

History and philosophy

Château de Candale is committed to an environmentally friendly approach, evidenced by its Agriculture Biologique and European Organic certifications. The estate also holds the Best of Wine Tourism and Vignobles & Découvertes labels, highlighting its dedication to wine tourism and visitor hospitality.

Appellations

Château de Candale produces wines under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation.

Practical information

Château de Candale is located at Lieu-dit Grandes Plantes, 33330 Saint-Laurent-des-Combes. The estate can be reached by telephone on 05 57 51 19 91 and by email at visite@mtdecoster.com.

The tasting cellar and wine shop is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00. Tours by appointment are available at a rate of €20 per person. The estate accepts payments by debit/credit card, cash, cheque, and American Express. Facilities and services include parking, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and pets are welcome. On-site dining is also available, and international shipping can be arranged. Staff speak French, English, and German.

Find out more

Official estate website

Frequently asked questions

What environmental certifications does Château de Candale hold?: Château de Candale is certified in Agriculture Biologique and holds the European Organic label, demonstrating its commitment to environmentally respectful practices. These certifications guarantee sustainable viticultural methods without synthetic chemicals, promoting biodiversity and soil health. The estate also holds the Vignobles & Découvertes label, underlining its dedication to wine tourism and visitor hospitality.
What is the grape variety composition at Château de Candale?: The grape variety mix at Château de Candale is predominantly composed of Merlot, which makes up 75% of the vines, and Cabernet Franc, accounting for the remaining 25%. This classic Saint-Émilion blend yields red wines characterised by their aromatic complexity, structure, and ageing capacity. The wines are produced exclusively under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation.
How does the terroir of Château de Candale influence its wines?: The terroir at Château de Candale consists of clay-limestone and clay-siliceous slopes, offering a rich diversity of micro-plots and exposures. This distinctive soil, combined with deep ploughing, encourages the vines—with an average age of 30 years—to explore the deeper layers of the terroir. This imparts a unique richness and complexity to the wines, faithfully expressing the character of their origin.
What winemaking practices are used at Château de Candale?: At Château de Candale, vinification is carried out plot by plot, meaning grapes from different parcels are vinified separately to preserve their individual characteristics. Extractions are kept gentle to retain the concentration and fruit-forward profile of the grapes rather than seeking excessive power. Harvesting is performed by hand, ensuring meticulous bunch selection and contributing to the optimal quality of the finished wines.

The vineyard (terroir)

The Château de Candale vineyard covers an area of 6.0 hectares, dedicated exclusively to the production of red wines. The vines, with an average age of 30 years, are planted on clay-limestone and clay-siliceous slopes, offering a variety of micro-plots and sun exposures. Deep ploughing is carried out to encourage the roots to explore the deeper strata of the terroir. The harvest is carried out by hand.

The grape variety mix is predominantly Merlot (75%) and Cabernet Franc (25%).

Flagship cuvées

The estate produces notably a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. It also crafts the cuvée “Le goût de la vie”, also under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. Average annual production is approximately 20,000 bottles.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification is conducted plot by plot, favouring gentle extraction to preserve the concentration and fresh fruit character of the grapes. Harvesting is carried out by hand.

Appellations: Saint-Émilion, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Commune: Saint-Laurent-des-Combres
Wine region: Libournais
Owner: Jean-Louis Vicard
Technical direction: DERONONCOURT
Surface area: 11 ha
Certifications: Bio, Agriculture Biologique, label Bio Européen, Vignobles & Découvertes
Grape varieties: Merlot 75%, Cabernet franc 25%