Bordeaux, France
Five generations ago, in 1865, the family laid the roots of their winemaking legacy in the commune of Verac, where the first vines were planted, birthing the renowned Château Coudert-Mauvezin and its signature white wines. The narrative of excellence evolved with the second generation, who acquired land in the esteemed locality of "Castagnat," renowned for its fertile soil and the historic harvest of chestnuts (castagnat meaning chestnut in Gascon). Together, they forged ahead to establish the prestigious Château Castagnac, expanding the family's winemaking heritage.
In the hands of fourth-generation winemaker Bernard Coudert, the profound connection to the land transcends generations. With over four decades of experience and an intimate understanding of the inherited vineyards, Bernard finds perpetual fascination in the ever-unfolding nuances of winemaking. His joy multiplied when his daughter joined the estate, carrying forth the torch of tradition and sustainability. Now, under fifth-generation stewardship by Lydia, Château Castagnac thrives on 38 hectares of meticulously tended vines, predominantly Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Embracing sustainable practices, from plowing clay-limestone soils to implementing eco-friendly methods like mating disruption, they uphold their commitment to environmental stewardship, evident in their certification as a High Environmental Value Level 3 vineyard since 2019, showcasing a dedication to biodiversity preservation and minimal input viticulture.