Château la Vieille Cure
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Château La Vieille Cure, located in Saillans (Fronsac), is owned by Jérôme Pignard. Spanning 28 hectares cultivated organically, the winegrowing estate produces red wines based on Merlot and Cabernets on clay-limestone soils.
Identity
Château La Vieille Cure is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Saillans. It is currently owned by Jérôme Pignard. Sophie Walter manages the estate, and Jean-Philippe Fort is the consulting oenologist, working with the château since the 2013 vintage.
History and philosophy
The origins of Château La Vieille Cure date back to the 17th century, with the estate recorded on the Belleyme map in 1780. The château itself was constructed in the 19th century. In 1986, the estate was acquired by a group of American friends. Jérôme Pignard became the owner in 2018. In 2019, the vineyard was expanded through the acquisition of a 17-hectare property in Fronsac. The estate is committed to certified organic viticulture (AB / Eurofeuille).
Appellations
The wines of Château La Vieille Cure are produced under the Fronsac appellation. The estate also produces wines under the Bordeaux appellation.
Practical information
Château La Vieille Cure is located in Coutreau, 33141 Saillans, France. The estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 5 57 84 32 05 and by email at vieillecure@orange.fr. Direct cellar-door sales are available, as well as mail order. Walk-in visits are welcome.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the history and origin of Château La Vieille Cure?
- Château La Vieille Cure boasts a history dating back to the 17th century, having been documented on the Belleyme map as early as 1780. The present château was built in the 19th century. After being purchased in 1986 by a group of American investors, Jérôme Pignard took ownership in 2018. In 2019, the vineyard was expanded, further strengthening the winegrowing estate.
- What is the size and vineyard composition of Château La Vieille Cure?
- The vineyard at Château La Vieille Cure covers a total surface area of 28 hectares, entirely devoted to red wine production. It is planted primarily with Merlot (around 80%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (around 15%) and Cabernet-Sauvignon (around 5%). The vines, averaging 20 years of age, thrive on clay-limestone terroir on south- and south-east-facing slopes along the Isle river.
- Which appellations and flagship cuvées are produced by Château La Vieille Cure?
- Château La Vieille Cure produces wines predominantly under the Fronsac appellation. The estate crafts two main cuvées: Château La Vieille Cure, its flagship wine, and a second wine named La Sacristie de la Vieille Cure, also under the Fronsac appellation. Both are still red wines.
- Does Château La Vieille Cure practise organic viticulture?
- Yes, Château La Vieille Cure is committed to certified organic viticulture. This certification is endorsed by the AB and Eurofeuille labels, guaranteeing the application of ecological practices in vineyard management. This commitment reflects the estate's overarching philosophy for wine production.
The vineyard (terroir)
The Château La Vieille Cure vineyard covers a total area of 28 hectares, dedicated to the production of red wines. It is situated on the hillsides of Saillans, benefiting from south and south-easterly exposures. The vineyard forms a single contiguous block across both plateau and slope, enjoying excellent exposure along the Isle river. The soils are well-drained clay-limestone. The vines have an average age of 20 years, alongside a heritage of old vines. The grape varieties are dominated by Merlot (around 80%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (around 15%) and Cabernet-Sauvignon (around 5%).
Signature cuvées
The estate's principal cuvée is Château La Vieille Cure, a still red wine. The second wine is La Sacristie de la Vieille Cure, also under the Fronsac appellation. Commercialised vintages of Château La Vieille Cure range from 2017 to 2023.
Vinification and ageing
Harvesting is carried out both by hand and mechanically. The wine is aged for approximately fifteen months in oak barrels.
- Appellation
- Fronsac
- Commune
- Saillans
- Wine region
- Libournais
- Classification
- Fronsac
- Owner
- Jérôme Pignard
- Technical direction
- Jean-Philippe Fort
- Surface area
- 28 ha
- Second wine
- La Sacristie de la Vieille Cure
- Certifications
- Bio
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 80%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Cabernet-Sauvignon 5%
Practical information
- Address
- Coutreau, 33141 Saillans
- Phone
- +33 5 57 84 32 05
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Visits
- Oui sans rendez-vous