Château La Bridane

Identity

Château La Bridane is a winegrowing estate whose family history is closely linked to Vignobles Saintout. Located in Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, it is owned by the Saintout family.

History and philosophy

The history of Château La Bridane is rooted in a long-standing Médoc family tradition. The Saintout family has been established in the Médoc for nearly three centuries, with documented roots at Domaine de Cartujac in Saint-Laurent Médoc dating back to the late 18th century. Founded in 1640, Château La Bridane saw part of its vineyard, known as “Les Trois Canons”, inherited from great-grandmother Madeleine Blancan. Bruno Saintout took over the estate in 1984. In 2023, a new generation took the helm. The estate is dedicated to environmentally friendly viticulture, as certified by its Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) status.

Appellations

Château La Bridane produces wines under the Saint-Julien Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée. Its production plots are situated within the commune of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle.

Flagship wines

The estate's principal cuvée is Château La Bridane, classified as Cru Bourgeois. Its blend consists predominantly of Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot, complemented by Petit-Verdot. This wine is crafted to showcase the quintessential qualities of its appellation. The estate also produces a second wine, named Moulin de La Bridane.

Practical information

For detailed information on visits and tastings, please contact the estate directly.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The vineyard of Château La Bridane spans an area of 15 hectares, characterised by Garonne gravel soils. The estate's grape varieties include Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit-Verdot. Harvesting is carried out by hand.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification at Château La Bridane begins with meticulous hand-harvesting and sorting of the grapes. Pneumatic pressing is carried out without destemming or prior maceration. Settling takes place naturally by gravity in a cold room, followed by barrel fermentation. The cellar is designed for parcel-by-parcel vinification using stainless steel and concrete vats. The wine undergoes ageing for 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels. Consulting oenologists Antoine Medeville and Pascal Chatonnet oversee and guide the winemaking process.