Vignobles Ricard
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Vignobles Ricard, a Bordeaux winegrowing estate based in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, produces Sainte-Croix-du-Mont and Bordeaux rosé wines, alongside Loire Valley cuvées. The 27-hectare vineyard is currently in organic conversion.
Identity
Part of the production of the Vignobles Ricard winegrowing estate is based in the commune of Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, in the Gironde department. It is owned by Geneviève Ricard-Durand and Philippe Durand.
History and philosophy
The family story of Vignobles Ricard began in 1966 with the purchase of land by the grandfather. In 1999, Geneviève Ricard-Durand joined the estate. An organic farming conversion is currently underway for part of the vineyards.
Appellations
The estate produces wines across several appellations, including Sainte-Croix-du-Mont and Bordeaux rosé. Part of the production also hails from the Loire Valley, featuring Vin de France (Pays Nantais and Loire), Touraine and Touraine Chenonceaux wines.
Practical information
The estate is located at Ch. de Vertheuil 1, Le Cros, 33410 Sainte-Croix-du-Mont. You can contact the estate by phone on +33 6 36 98 30 98 or by email at vignobles.ricard@free.fr. Direct sales and tastings are available on site. The estate also offers gîte accommodation.
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Vignobles Ricard located?
- Part of the Vignobles Ricard production is located in the commune of Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, in the Gironde department. Another part of the estate is situated in the Loire Valley.
- Which appellations are produced by Vignobles Ricard?
- Vignobles Ricard produces wines under the Sainte-Croix-du-Mont and Bordeaux rosé appellations. They also craft Vin de France (Pays Nantais and Loire), Touraine, and Touraine Chenonceaux wines.
- Which grape varieties are grown at Vignobles Ricard?
- For white wines, the vineyard is predominantly planted with Sauvignon blanc, alongside Sauvignon gris and Muscadelle. For red wines, Cabernet franc, Gamay noir à jus blanc and Malbec (Cot) are grown. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are also used.
- Does Vignobles Ricard offer visits or tastings?
- Yes, Vignobles Ricard offers direct sales and tastings at the estate. A gîte is also available on site to welcome visitors.
The vineyard (terroir)
The Vignobles Ricard vineyard covers 27 hectares in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont. The vines have an average age of 35 years. The white grape variety planting is predominantly Sauvignon blanc. For red grape varieties, Cabernet franc, Gamay noir à jus blanc and Malbec (Cot) are planted. Harvesting is carried out both by hand and mechanically.
Flagship cuvées
Among the cuvées crafted by Vignobles Ricard are wines under the appellations Touraine Chenonceaux Tasciaca, Touraine L'Effrontée, Touraine Pierre à Feu, and Touraine Le Clos de Vauriou. Vin de France cuvées are also produced, such as Cuvée Armand, Le Vinsans Ricard and Gamay Moelleux. From the Bordeaux range, notable bottlings include Château Montaunoir, Château de Vertheuil and Château Grand Picque-Caillou.
Red wines
Red wines, such as Le Vilain P'tit Rouge or Le Petiot, are crafted from red grape varieties such as Cabernet franc, Gamay noir à jus blanc and Malbec. Certain blends, like Château de Vertheuil 1998, are Cabernet-dominated, or combine Cabernets with Merlot as in Château de Vertheuil 2003. Château Grand Picque-Caillou 2003 is likewise dominated by Cabernets.
White wines
White wines such as Château Montaunoir can be made from a blend of Sauvignon and Muscadelle, as in Château Montaunoir Blanc 2008 and 2009. The Vignobles Ricard Cuvée Imagine 2015 is predominantly made up of Muscadelle alongside Sauvignon gris. Château Montaunoir 2017 blends Sauvignon and Muscadelle, while Château Montaunoir 2019 combines Sauvignon gris and Muscadelle.
Rosé wines
Château Montaunoir Rosé 2000 is produced using the saignée method from Cabernet and Merlot. The 2010 and 2012 vintages of this rosé can incorporate Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vinification and ageing
Ageing for certain cuvées takes place in oak barrels. For instance, the Vignobles Ricard Cuvée Imagine 2013 is aged in barrel for two years. Château de Vertheuil 1998 underwent ten months of barrel ageing, and Château de Vertheuil 2003 twelve months in oak casks.
- Appellations
- Bordeaux Rosé, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Vin de France
- Commune
- Sainte-Croix-du-Mont
- Wine region
- Bordeaux & Bordeaux Supérieur
- Owner
- Geneviève Ricard-Durand et Philippe Durand
- Surface area
- 27 ha
- Certifications
- Bio
- Grape varieties
- Sauvignon blanc, Sauvignon gris, Muscadelle, Cabernet franc, Gamay noir à jus blanc, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Practical information
- Address
- Ch. de Vertheuil 1, Le Cros, 33410 Sainte-Croix-du-Mont
- Phone
- +33 6 36 98 30 98
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Visits
- Oui