Château des Bruges
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Detailed profile of Château des Bruges, a family-run winegrowing estate in Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion and Lussac Saint-Émilion, certified HVE, producing red wines aged in vats and barrels.
Identity
Château des Bruges is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Puisseguin, in Gironde. It is owned by Claudine Bonamy, with Ludovic Laulan serving as the winemaker.
History and philosophy
The family winemaking tradition at Château des Bruges spans four generations. Prior to 1938, the family was already tending vines. In 1938, the manager's great-grandfather joined the Puisseguin Saint-Émilion cooperative. In 2012, the decision was taken to produce wine directly at the estate, reviving a long-standing family tradition. The first vintage of Château des Bruges in its current form was released in 2013.
Since 2014, the estate has used oak barrels toasted with ceramic heat, a technique complemented in 2017 by the introduction of hydro-ceramic toasted barrels. In 2015, the estate expanded its range to four wines. From 2016 onwards, Château des Bruges enhanced its digital presence and opened up to international distribution and online sales. A new partner joined the team in 2016 to oversee commercial development. In 2017, the estate launched bespoke services such as "private label" and "Vini Yourself".
The estate holds Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification.
Appellations
The parcels of Château des Bruges are situated within the Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion appellation as well as the Lussac Saint-Émilion appellation.
Winemaking and ageing
Winemaking at Château des Bruges begins with complete destemming followed by crushing. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats using selected yeasts. Malolactic fermentation is also carried out. Ageing is conducted partly in vats to maintain aromatic freshness, and partly in new oak barrels. The estate uses oak barrels toasted via ceramic or hydro-ceramic heating to refine the wine's expression.
Practical information
Château des Bruges is located at 4 Route de Roques, 33570 Puisseguin.
Telephone: 05 57 74 66 39 or 06 12 78 64 56
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Château des Bruges located?
- Château des Bruges is situated in the Gironde department, in the commune of Puisseguin. Its exact address is 4 Route de Roques, 33570 Puisseguin. It lies in an area where the clay-limestone and silty soils are known as "terres froides", benefiting from a temperate oceanic climate. The Dordogne and Isle rivers offer natural frost protection.
- What are the characteristics of the Château des Bruges vineyard?
- The vineyard at Château des Bruges covers an area of 8 hectares. It is planted primarily with two grape varieties: Merlot, which makes up 85% of the plantings, and Cabernet Franc, representing the remaining 15%. The soils are clay-limestone and silty, often referred to as "terres froides", under a temperate oceanic climate. The estate is also certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE).
- How are the wines of Château des Bruges made?
- Winemaking at Château des Bruges begins with complete destemming followed by crushing. Fermentation is carried out in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats using selected yeasts, and malolactic fermentation is completed. Ageing takes place partly in vats to preserve aromatic freshness and partly in new oak barrels. The estate uses barrels toasted using ceramic or hydro-ceramic heating—techniques adopted in 2014 and 2017 respectively—to refine the wine's expression.
- Who manages Château des Bruges and what is its history?
- Château des Bruges is owned by Claudine Bonamy, with Ludovic Laulan managing winemaking. The estate's history spans four generations, with family viticultural activity predating 1938. The decision to make wine at the estate was made in 2012, returning to family roots, and the first modern vintage was released in 2013. The estate has since expanded its production and distribution, including international sales and online channels, introducing new offerings in 2017. The estate is also certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE).
The vineyard (terroir)
The vineyard of Château des Bruges covers an area of 8 hectares. The soils are described as clay-limestone and silty, known locally as "terres froides" ("cold soils") and appreciated for their resilience in the face of climate change. The climate is temperate oceanic, typical of Bordeaux, with an average annual temperature of 12.8°C. The site benefits from natural frost protection provided by the Dordogne and Isle rivers.
The estate's grape varieties are primarily Merlot (85%) and Cabernet Franc (15%). Harvesting is carried out mechanically and late in the season to pick the fruit at peak ripeness.
Key cuvées
Château des Bruges produces still red wines. Notable cuvées include "Château des Bruges AOC Puisseguin" and "Réserve du Temple". These wines are crafted to preserve fruit purity. Part of the production is aged in vats, while another portion undergoes ageing in new oak barrels, providing structural oak nuances while supporting the fruit aromas.
- Appellations
- Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion, Lussac-Saint-Émilion
- Commune
- Puisseguin
- Wine region
- Libournais
- Owner
- Claudine Bonamy
- Technical direction
- Ludovic Laulan
- Surface area
- 8 ha
- Certifications
- HVE
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 85%, Cabernet Franc 15%
Practical information
- Address
- Route de Roques, 33570 Puisseguin
- Phone
- +33612786456
- Contact form
- Contact the estate