Château Lamothe-Cissac

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Château Lamothe-Cissac, owned by Vignobles Fabre in Cissac-Médoc, is a 33-hectare winegrowing estate in Haut-Médoc. It cultivates traditional and resistant grape varieties on clay-limestone and gravel soils, with HVE certification and organic conversion underway.

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© Château Lamothe-Cissac

Identity

Château Lamothe-Cissac is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Cissac-Médoc. The property is part of Vignobles Fabre, and is currently managed by Vincent Fabre. Denis Hecquet serves as vineyard manager, and Denis Latour as cellar master.

History and philosophy

The history of Château Lamothe-Cissac is defined by ancient winemaking roots, evidenced by the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa and traces of early vinification. The site also once housed a medieval fortress, and at the end of the 19th century, a Neo-Renaissance château was built there. In 1876, a map already documented 76 parcels covering an area of 30 hectares.

The Fabre family acquired the estate in 1964 under the impetus of Gabriel Fabre. The family’s first vine plantings took place in April 1967. Since 1964, the estate has independently managed the vinification, ageing, and marketing of its wines. Today, the property is run by the third generation of the family.

The estate's philosophy blends tradition and innovation with a deep commitment to environmental respect. This is reflected in an eco-responsible and educational approach, including eco-grazing with a flock of Landes ewes since 2020 for the natural maintenance of the vineyard, as well as work on disease-resistant grape varieties. The property also carries out initiatives to encourage biodiversity, particularly with beehives. The estate is certified HVE Level 3, and certain parcels are in their third year of organic conversion.

Appellations

Château Lamothe-Cissac produces wines under the Haut-Médoc appellation. Vignobles Fabre also produces wine under the Margaux appellation at Château Bellevue de Tayac, which covers more than 4.5 hectares.

Practical information

Château Lamothe-Cissac is located at 1 Lamothe, 33250 Cissac-Médoc. For enquiries, the estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 (0)5 56 59 58 16 or by email at domaines.fabre@enfrance.com.

The tasting room and shop are open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:30, from January to December. It is closed on weekends and public holidays, with the exception of July and August when it is also open on Saturdays from 09:30 to 12:30 and from 13:00 to 17:30. The estate offers tastings and guided tours without prior appointment, including a tour of the vineyard. Bespoke wine tourism activities such as "Wine Gaming"—an immersive adventure combining history, puzzles, and wine tasting—are also available. The estate features an on-site shop, an online shop, and offers click-and-collect as well as home delivery. It is pushchair-friendly, has park grounds, and provides coach parking. Accepted payment methods include Alipay, credit/debit cards, bank and postal cheques, and cash.

Find out more

Official estate website

Frequently asked questions

What types of wine are produced at Château Lamothe-Cissac and under which appellations?
Château Lamothe-Cissac primarily produces red wines under the Haut-Médoc appellation. Alongside its flagship cuvée, the estate offers wines such as the "Vieilles Vignes de Lamothe-Cissac" (crafted from vines over 70 years old) and "Héritage de Lamothe - 1876". It also produces specialty cuvées, including a single-varietal Malbec, a Cabernet Sauvignon without added sulphites, wines from resistant grape varieties, and unconventional styles such as a sparkling red and a blanc de noirs. Furthermore, Vignobles Fabre produces wines under the Margaux appellation via Château Bellevue de Tayac.
What is the environmental approach and production philosophy of Château Lamothe-Cissac?
Château Lamothe-Cissac pursues an approach that unites tradition and innovation, underpinned by strong environmental stewardship. The estate is certified HVE Level 3, and several parcels are undergoing organic conversion. This eco-responsible philosophy is demonstrated through eco-grazing with a flock of Landes ewes for natural vineyard upkeep, trials with disease-resistant grape varieties for sustainable viticulture, and biodiversity initiatives such as beekeeping. The estate is also an active participant in the "Cultivons Demain" environmental programme.
What are the characteristics of the vineyard and grape varieties at Château Lamothe-Cissac?
The Château Lamothe-Cissac vineyard spans 33 hectares across diverse terroirs composed of clay-limestone knolls and gravel mounds, with a deep gravel subsoil. The grape plantings are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The estate also innovates by growing grape varieties resistant to downy and powdery mildew, with an initial vinification scheduled for 2024. Vines older than 70 years are also preserved to produce dedicated old-vine cuvées.
Does Château Lamothe-Cissac offer wine tourism activities?
Yes, Château Lamothe-Cissac offers a variety of wine tourism experiences. The tasting cellar is open on weekdays throughout the year, as well as on Saturdays in July and August. The estate provides tastings and guided tours without an appointment, including visits to the vineyard. For an immersive experience, visitors can enjoy "Wine Gaming", which combines history, puzzles, and tastings. The property is equipped to welcome families and groups, offering coach parking and pushchair access. Both an on-site and online shop are available, along with takeaway and delivery services.

The vineyard (terroir)

The Château Lamothe-Cissac vineyard extends over an area of 33 hectares. It is situated on terroirs characterised by clay-limestone knolls and gravel mounds. The subsoil consists of deep gravel.

The grape varieties planted comprise Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, with Cabernet Sauvignon making up a significant proportion. The estate also cultivates grape varieties resistant to downy and powdery mildew, with a first vinification scheduled for 2024. Vineyard management practices include green harvesting to control yields. The estate is actively involved in the "Cultivons Demain" environmental programme.

Among the vineyard’s standout features are vines over 70 years old, mostly planted in the 1950s, which are used to craft the "Vieilles Vignes de Lamothe-Cissac" cuvée.

Flagship cuvées

The estate offers a diverse range of cuvées:

  • Château Lamothe-Cissac: The estate’s primary expression, crafted from the appellation’s traditional grape varieties. It is renowned for its balanced style.
  • Vieilles Vignes de Lamothe-Cissac: Created in 1988, this cuvée comes from low yields and old vines, predominantly planted in the 1950s, with a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is designed for extended cellar ageing, with peak drinking potential between 20 and 30 years.
  • Héritage de Lamothe - 1876: Produced since the 2010 vintage, this cuvée pays tribute to the estate's history.
  • Édition spéciale Olivier Jolivet x Château Lamothe-Cissac: A special cuvée produced in a limited run of 1,000 bottles, blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.
  • Château La Tonnelle
  • Fabre on the Rocks: A single-varietal wine made from 100% Malbec.
  • Wild Fabre: A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine, vinified without added sulphites.
  • Clan Fabre: A single-varietal wine made from 100% Merlot.
  • Funambull: A sparkling red wine made from 100% Merlot.
  • Pic Vert: A blanc de noirs white wine made from 100% Merlot.
  • Carte Blanche: A wine crafted from resistant grape varieties.

Vinification and ageing

The wines of Château Lamothe-Cissac are crafted using ageing methods tailored to each individual cuvée. Ageing takes place in vats and oak barrels, utilising micro-oxygenation to encourage aeration and structure the tannins.

Appellations
Haut-Médoc, Margaux
Commune
Cissac-Médoc
Wine region
Médoc
Owner
Vincent Fabre
Technical direction
Denis Latour
Surface area
33 ha
Certifications
Bio, HVE
Grape varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cépages résistants

Practical information

Address
1 Lamothe, 33250 Cissac-Médoc
Contact form
Contact the estate
Opening hours
De janvier à décembre du lundi au vendredi de 9h à 17h30. Fermé les week-ends et jours fériés. Ouvert en Juillet et Août le Samedi de 9h30 à 12h30 et de 13h00 à 17h30.
Visits
Découverte du domaine à travers une visite du vignoble et une dégustation des différentes cuvées

Location

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