The obituary of Pierre de Castelnau (1676–1740), written by his eldest son, François de Castelnau, an advocate at the Parlement de Bordeaux, is a document of invaluable historical worth. This surviving text does not merely recount the final moments of Pierre de Castelnau, who died on 2 December 1740 at his maison de Cazebonne, but also offers a detailed portrait of the man, his career, and his family and social circle. It is a rare testament to the daily life and customs of the rural Bordeaux aristocracy in the 18^th century, particularly regarding Château Cazebonne.

The document provides details about his illness, dropsy, with which he had contended for seven years, though the surgeons of the era believed it would not prove fatal. The description of this peaceful death, free from anxiety and with full consciousness until his last breath, is typical of writings of the period, which often sought to depict a "good death". The account of his burial in the chapel of Saint-Quentin at the parish church of Saint-Gervais de Langon, attended by the nobility, the bourgeoisie, and the common people, underscores the esteem and respect in which Pierre de Castelnau was held in the community.

François de Castelnau also paints a physical and moral portrait of his father: a man of medium height, with regular features, endowed with a generous soul and a sharp mind, having completed his studies with distinction. His service in the King's army, notably as a second lieutenant and then lieutenant in the Régiment de Champagne, reflects a typical military career for a gentleman of that era. His tenure as Mayor of Langon, an office he held until its abolition, along with his natural authority, reveals his deep roots in local life and his civic dedication. This obituary is thus far more than a simple notice; it is a first-rate historical source for tracing the history of the vineyard and the wine estate.

Plots of Cazebonne and the de Castelnau family

Pierre de Castelnau was a key figure in the history of what is today Château Cazebonne. At his death, he owned numerous parcels that make up the present estate, particularly those within the Cazebonne block where he resided. This land continuity bears witness to the importance of the de Castelnau family, owners of Cazebonne in local viticultural development. The obituary, by mentioning his "maison de Cazebonne", confirms the enduring presence and attachment of the de Castelnau family to these lands. His son François and his other son, Denis de Castelnau, an infantry captain, inherited this estate, as detailed in the document. The family archives provided by these writings offer a clearer understanding of land inheritance and the evolution of the terroir, shedding light on period practices in managing wine estates and property in Bordeaux.

At Château Cazebonne, we are passionate about history—that of our terroir and the people who shaped it. This look into the past guides us in building the future of our vines and wines. You can deepen your knowledge of the history of Bordeaux grape varieties by downloading our book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages". To test your knowledge and your palate, feel free to take part in our wine quizzes. And to discover the fruit of this return to our roots and our commitment to authentic wines, visit our online shop.