Château Dudon
Updated on
Château Dudon is a historic family winegrowing estate in Barsac, producing sweet Sauternes organically certified since 2007. It is run by Evelyne and Michel Allien. The 11.8 ha vineyard is predominantly planted with Sémillon.
Identity
Château Dudon is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Barsac, in Gironde. It is currently managed by Evelyne Allien (née Saumade) and Michel Allien.
History and Philosophy
The estate has been a family property since 1868, the year it was acquired by Bernard Gaussem, Evelyne Allien's great-great-grandfather. It has been passed down through the generations and the Gaussem, Balayé, Herteman, Saumade, and today Allien families. Evelyne and Michel Allien took over the reins of the Château in 1988. The estate's 17th-century chartreuse underwent renovation in 2003.
Château Dudon is committed to an environmentally friendly approach. Organic winegrowing is practised, and the property obtained its certification in 2007. Practices include the complete absence of herbicides in the vineyards.
The Appellations
Château Dudon's wines are produced under the Sauternes appellation. Some plots may also fall under the Barsac appellation.
Winemaking and Ageing
For the Château Dudon cuvée, fermentation is carried out in barrels and vats. Ageing extends for a minimum of 20 months in barrels, contributing to the wine's complexity and ageing potential.
The Gallien de Château Dudon cuvée ferments in vats. Ageing then lasts 12 months, offering a different style and quicker accessibility.
Practical Information
Address: 1 Dudon, 33720 Barsac
Telephone: (+33) 5 56 27 29 38
Email: chateau.dudon.barsac@wanadoo.fr
The sales cellar is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Tastings at the property are offered, as well as tours in English. The estate accepts credit cards and offers facilities for motorhomes. Access is also adapted for people with reduced mobility (motor disability).
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
- What is Château Dudon's main appellation?
- Château Dudon primarily produces wines under the Sauternes appellation. Some of its plots may also be linked to the Barsac appellation, both renowned for their sweet white wines.
- Since when has Château Dudon been a family property?
- Château Dudon has been a family property since 1868. It was acquired that year by Bernard Gaussem, Evelyne Allien's ancestor, who has managed the estate with her husband Michel Allien since 1988.
- Does Château Dudon practice organic winegrowing?
- Yes, Château Dudon is committed to organic winegrowing. The estate obtained its organic certification in 2007 and notably uses no herbicides in its vineyards, favouring environmentally friendly methods.
- What grape varieties are cultivated at Château Dudon, and what is the area of the vineyard?
- Château Dudon's vineyard extends over 11.8 hectares. It is predominantly planted with Sémillon (84%), complemented by Sauvignon (15%) and a small proportion of Muscadelle (1%).
The Vineyard (Terroir)
Château Dudon's vineyard extends over an area of 11.8 hectares. The plots are established on clay-sandy soils resting on a limestone bedrock. A historical particularity of the estate is the enclosure of its vineyards by dry stone walls, a characteristic present for over 250 years. The average age of the vines is 29 years, and the planting density is 6600 vines per hectare.
The vineyard's grape varieties are predominantly Sémillon (84%), complemented by Sauvignon (15%) and Muscadelle (1%).
The Flagship Cuvées
Château Dudon
This cuvée represents the estate's grand vin. It is a sweet white wine from the Sauternes appellation, primarily made from Sémillon. It is characterised by aromatic complexity and a structure that gives it significant ageing potential, possibly exceeding 50 years depending on the vintages.
Gallien de Château Dudon
A second emblematic cuvée, Gallien de Château Dudon is also a sweet white wine from the Sauternes appellation, made from the Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties. It is designed to offer a more immediate expression while retaining the typicality of the region's sweet wines. Its ageing potential is estimated at 35 years and more.
- Commune
- Barsac
- Wine region
- Graves & Sauternais
- Owner
- Famille Allien (Evelyne et Michel Allien)
- Surface area
- 11.8 ha
- Second wine
- Gallien de Château Dudon
- Certifications
- Bio
- Grape varieties
- Sémillon 84%, Sauvignon 15%, Muscadelle 1%
Practical information
- Address
- Barsac
- Phone
- +33556272938
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Opening hours
- Tous les jours de 8h00 à 18h00