Château de l'Isle Fort

Identity

Château de l'Isle Fort is a winegrowing estate located in Lignan-de-Bordeaux, in Gironde. The property is owned by François Jeantet and Sylvie Douce, who acquired it in 2001. Nicolas Sandoz serves as co-manager.

History and Philosophy

The Renaissance-style château is surrounded by moats and was historically, according to accounts, once occupied by Henri IV. The acquisition of the estate in 2001 by François Jeantet and Sylvie Douce marked the beginning of an extensive renovation period. François Jeantet personally oversaw the restoration of the cellars, storage facilities, as well as five houses situated around the château.

The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture, notably through integrated vine protection and meticulous equipment maintenance to optimise energy efficiency. The vineyard is currently in conversion to organic farming. The property carries out various initiatives to foster biodiversity, including the presence of 70 sheep, two horses, cows, a henhouse, as well as dedicated habitats for bees and birds. Two lakes have been created and 3,000 trees of diverse species have been planted.

Appellations

Château de l'Isle Fort produces wines under the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée Bordeaux Supérieur.

Winemaking and Ageing

The estate collaborates with Derenoncourt Vignerons Consultants for oenological guidance. Ageing for the Terre de l'Isle Fort cuvée takes place in amphorae for 15 months.

Practical Information

The estate is located at 33, route de l'Entre-deux-Mers, 33360 Lignan-de-Bordeaux. Wines can be purchased directly on site or via mail order. Visits are by appointment.

Telephone: +33 (0)6 23 30 37 50

Email: lislefort@lislefort.com

Find Out More

Official website of the estate

The Vineyard (Terroir)

The vineyard spans an area of 9 hectares. The vines, averaging 20 years of age, are planted on sun-drenched clay-limestone slopes, as well as on a gravel plateau and clay-silt-limestone hillsides. Planting density is high. Harvesting is carried out mechanically. The vineyard is advised by Stéphane Derenoncourt.

The grape varieties planted are Merlot (58%), Cabernet Franc (28%) and Cabernet-Sauvignon (14%).

Flagship Cuvées

Château de l'Isle Fort offers three cuvées. The main red cuvée is named L'Isle Fort. The estate also produces a rosé cuvée, L'Isle Douce. Cuvée Précieuse is a high-end cuvée, sourced from a 1.90-hectare parcel. Its blend consists of 48% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet-Sauvignon. The estate also crafts a cuvée named Terre de l'Isle Fort, from vines approximately 20 years old. Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, it is aged for 15 months in amphorae and produced in a limited run of 1,000 numbered bottles.