Château Raboutet

Identity

Château Raboutet, also known as Vignobles Raboutet, is a winegrowing estate located in Berson, in the Gironde department. It is run by Aurélie Raboutet and Alexandre.

History and philosophy

The Raboutet family's winegrowing tradition spans five generations in Berson. Château Groleau was acquired by Jacques Rochet in 1852. In 1897, Jean Raboutet acquired Château Le Chay. Didier and Sylvie Raboutet settled in 1983, celebrating twenty years at the helm of the estate in 2003. Aurélie Raboutet took over management in 2018, and Alexandre joined her in 2020. The estate practises sustainable viticulture and is committed to the Bordeaux Wine Environmental Management System association. The estate obtained Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification in 2018, a distinction that promotes environmentally friendly winegrowing practices, particularly regarding biodiversity and the reduction of inputs.

The appellations

Vignobles Raboutet produces wines under the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux and Côtes de Bourg appellations.

Practical information

The estate is located at 1, Le Chay, 33390 Berson. It can be contacted by telephone on +33 5 57 64 39 50 or by email at lechay@wanadoo.fr. The estate offers direct sales at the property as well as tastings. Bed and breakfast accommodation is also available on site.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The total vineyard covers an area of 38 hectares. Château Le Chay extends over 20 hectares, characterised by clay-limestone soils. Château Groleau, covering 18 hectares, features clay-gravel soils close to the Gironde estuary. The grape varieties planted at Château Groleau include Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. For Château Le Chay, the red grape varieties are predominantly Merlot and Malbec, whilst the dry white wines are crafted from Sauvignon.

Flagship cuvées

The estate offers several cuvées, including Château Le Chay and Château Groleau. Château Le Chay is produced as a red wine, with blends that may vary, such as 70% Merlot and 30% Malbec (for the 2019 vintage, for example), 2/3 Merlot and 1/3 Malbec (2010 vintage), or 80% Merlot and 20% Malbec (2009 and 2007 vintages). There are also dry white wines made from 100% Sauvignon, fruity rosé wines, and sweet white wines. Château Groleau, meanwhile, is produced as a red wine, with blends such as 80% Merlot and 20% Malbec (2017, 2016, 2003 vintages) or 70% Merlot and 30% Malbec (2014 and 2012 vintages). A Château Groleau Vieilli en fût de chêne 2000 cuvée was crafted from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vinification and ageing

The estate's winemaking philosophy combines time-honoured traditions with modern oenological techniques. For cuvées intended for ageing, Château Le Chay Élevé en fût de chêne has benefited from 12 months in oak barrels (2003 and 2019 vintages). Château Groleau Élevé en fût de chêne 2017 underwent 6 months of ageing in vat followed by 12 months in barrel. The estate regularly renews its barrels.