Château Hennebelle

Identity

Château Hennebelle is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Lamarque, in Gironde. The Bonastre family is associated with the property, with Laurent Bonastre at the helm as winegrower.

History and Philosophy

The history of Château Hennebelle began in 1918 with Martial Bonastre. The estate has remained family-owned across five successive generations, including Louis, René, Pierre, and Laurent Bonastre. The estate is committed to sustainable and responsible viticultural practices, applying production methods designed to minimise its environmental footprint and protect biodiversity. Château Hennebelle implements organic and biodynamic farming practices.

Appellations

The estate produces wines under the Haut-Médoc appellation.

Practical Information

Château Hennebelle is located at 21 Route de Pauillac, 33460 Lamarque. The estate can be contacted on 05 56 58 94 07. It offers guided tours of the vineyard as well as tasting sessions. Château Hennebelle also hosts events and receptions, including weddings, corporate seminars, and private parties.

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The Vineyard (Terroir)

The Château Hennebelle vineyard covers an area of 11 hectares. The soils are composed of gravel, clay, and limestone. For the red wines, the vines are planted on the gravel soils of Médoc and the clay-limestone terroirs of Bordeaux. The white wines originate from terroirs in Arcachon and Gironde. The grape variety distribution for the red wines consists of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Cabernet Franc (5%), and Petit Verdot (5%). For the white wines, the vineyard includes Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. The rosé wines are also crafted from grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Flagship Cuvées

Château Hennebelle offers red, white, and rosé wines. The red wines include “Cuvée Château Hennebelle” and “Cuvée spéciale H”, both crafted under the Haut-Médoc appellation. The red wines are characterised by fruity and spicy aromas, often noted for their firm tannic backbone and velvety texture on the palate. The white wines are made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, whilst the rosé wines are produced from grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Vinification and Ageing

The vinification process at Château Hennebelle balances tradition and modernity, combining ancestral methods with contemporary technology. Fermentation takes place in wooden vats, with maceration typically lasting between two and three weeks. Ageing is carried out in oak barrels over a period of two years.