Château Carbonnieux is one of the oldest and largest wine estates in the Bordeaux region.
Its History extends over almost 8 centuries and its vineyard over a hundred hectares.
This 4-generation family vineyard is entirely located around the castle at the top of a superb hilltop of gravel.
All the wines produced depend on the Pessac-Léognan AOP.
The vines cultivated in a sustainable and eco-responsible agriculture are devoted exclusively to dry white wine and red wine,
both are qualified as Grands Crus Classés de Graves.
Château Carbonnieux and Bordeaux
PDO Pessac-Leognan
Château Carbonnieux is located in Léognan in the heart of Pessac-Léognan AOC (Protected Designation of Origin) which was created in 1987. This designation comes from the Graves region and includes the 10 municipalities of the first south-west belt of the city of Bordeaux (Pessac, Léognan, Cadaujac, Canéjan, Gradignan, Martillac, Mérignac, Saint-Médard-d’Eyrans, Talence and Villenave-d’Ornon). It covers approximately 1,600 hectares (80% red grape, 20% white grape varieties) and encompasses 70 wine producing châteaux including 14 “Crus Classés” (Classified Growths).
Union des Crus Classés de Graves
In 1953, 14 châteaux from the Graves region were honoured with the title of “Crus Classés” (Classified Growths), either for their white wines or red wines or both. Château Carbonnieux was renowned for its two colours. There are only 6 Châteaux (Bouscaut, Chevalier, Latour-Martillac, Malartic-Lagravière, Olivier and Carbonnieux) among the 9000 wineries from the Bordeaux region that have a classification for both their red and white wines. The 14 “Crus Classés” from the Graves region have been in the Pessac-Léognan AOC since it was created in 1987.
Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux
Château Carbonnieux is honored to be among the 134 members of the Union of Bordeaux Grands Crus. This association includes the most prestigious wines from the Bordeaux region. They come under the great appellations (PDO) of Gironde namely, Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Saint Emilion Grand Cru, Pomerol, Listrac-Médoc, Moulis en Médoc, Haut Médoc, Médoc, Margaux, Saint Julien, Pauillac, Saint Estèphe, Sauternes and Barsac. This union is very active and organizes wine tastings throughout the world.
Château Carbonnieux and the Environnement
High Environnemental Value level 3 since 2017
Château Carbonnieux obtained the ‘High Environmental Value’ Level 3 in 2017, that is to say the highest level of this certification. This certification confirms environmental respect for the entire vineyard, taking into account the phytosanitary strategy,( reducing the use of pesticides and fungicides) the preservation of biodiversity, management of fertilizer inputs and management of water resources. It is the first step towards an organic type agriculture.
System of Environmental Management, Association certified ISO14001
Since 2011 Château Carbonnieux has been a committed member of an association, certified ISO14001 which has a global environmental approach and is supported by the Bordeaux Wine Trade Council. Clear emphasis is put on energy consumption, selective waste collection, limitation of inputs, water preservation, biodiversity, people’s lives, sensitive areas…
Sustainable agriculture / Integrated pest management
This logo is generally replaced by the HEV certification. The aim of this system of protection of the environment and people, equivalent to the integrated pest management system is to protect eco-systems as much as possible by limiting the use of chemicals. It is a method that requires an in-depth knowledge of the vineyard/terroir and permanent climate supervision. Château Carbonnieux has in fact its own weather station.
Château Carbonnieux and wine tourism
The wine Route in Graves and Sauternes
Château Carbonnieux is situated on the wine route in the Graves and Sauternes region. This tourist circuit includes the appellations south of Bordeaux: Pessac Léognan, Graves, Sauternes, Barsac. The vineyards on the left bank of the river Garonne present a highly attractive diversity of landscapes, architecture and wines (dry whites, sweet whites, reds, rosés)
Best of Wine Tourism Award
In the Best of Wine Tourism Competition, Château Carbonnieux was awarded a Best of Gold, the highest distinction in the category “Architecture and Landscapes” This competition awards the excellence and innovative spirit of the wine-producing properties from among the ten biggest wine regions in the world: Adelaide (Australia), Rioja (Spain), Lausanne (Switzerland), Rheinhessen (Germany), Mendoza (Argentina), Porto (Portugal), Napa Valley (USA), Casablanca Valley (Chile), Verona (Italy) and Bordeaux (France).
"Vignobles & Découvertes" Label
Château Carbonnieux has been honoured with the label Vignobles et Découvertes since it was created in 2009. This quality label is granted by Atout France, the Agency for the Development of French Tourism, after approval by the Higher Council of Wine Tourism. Château Carbonnieux offers passing tourists, wine lovers and professionals various types of visits to discover its terroir, its savoir-faire, its wines ……