Clos Sainte Anne

Château Clos Saint Anne - A Gem of the Côtes de Bordeaux

Château Clos Saint Anne, an emblematic property of the Courselle family, is a hidden gem nestled in the Côtes de Bordeaux region. Located near the prestigious Château Thieuley, this estate stands out for its production of red Côtes de Bordeaux wines as well as Cadillac liquoreux, a rare and exquisite sweet white wine. With meticulous attention to every step of winemaking, Clos Saint Anne produces wines that embody the elegance and authenticity of the Bordeaux terroir. Let’s explore the unique features of this estate, renowned for its traditional expertise and innovative approach.

History and Owners of Château Clos Saint Anne

Château Clos Saint Anne belongs to the Courselle family, winemakers for several generations and also the owners of the renowned Château Thieuley. Thanks to their passion for viticulture and love for the terroir, Marie and Sylvie Courselle have elevated the estate to the ranks of the region's great properties. Their expertise is particularly expressed in the production of Cadillac liquoreux, an original and sweet white wine.

The Wines of Château Clos Saint Anne: Côtes de Bordeaux and Cadillac Liquoreux

Red Côtes de Bordeaux

The estate is distinguished by its production of red wines from the Côtes de Bordeaux. These wines express the richness of the Bordeaux terroir with iconic grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The temperate climate and varied soils allow for optimal ripening of the grapes, resulting in structured, fruity, and elegant wines.

Cadillac Liquoreux: An Exceptional Sweet White Wine

The true jewel of Clos Saint Anne is its production of Cadillac liquoreux. This sweet white wine, crafted from a 1.5-hectare plot, is unique. Production is limited to 5,000 bottles per year, which lends this wine its rare and precious character. What makes it particularly distinct is the equal blend of botrytized and raisined grapes, offering a subtle balance between freshness and sweetness.

The Winemaking Methods of Château Clos Saint Anne

Grape Selection and Harvesting Methods

The winemaking process at Château Clos Saint Anne is based on meticulous attention to every detail. For the Cadillac liquoreux, 50% of the grapes are botrytized, meaning they are affected by "noble rot," which concentrates the sugars and aromas of the grape. The other 50% are raisined, a process where the grapes are left to dry on the vine, further concentrating the flavors. This dual process gives the wine its unique complexity.

Barrel Aging and Bottling

The wine is aged in barrels for 4 to 6 months. This relatively short aging period helps preserve the wine's freshness while adding a slight hint of wood. Another unique feature of Clos Saint Anne is its early bottling, which reduces the sulfite content. This natural and respectful approach contributes to the final quality of the wine, with perfectly balanced aromas and a harmonious mouthfeel.

Characteristics of Château Clos Saint Anne's Cadillac Liquoreux

A Refined and Atypical Sweet Wine

Unlike other sweet wines in the region, such as the famous Sauternes, Château Clos Saint Anne’s Cadillac liquoreux stands out for its unique profile. Marie and Sylvie Courselle prioritize freshness over aromatic richness, creating a wine with a more moderate sugar and alcohol content. This subtle balance makes the wine lighter, while maintaining great complexity on the palate.

Tasting and Food Pairings

Château Clos Saint Anne's Cadillac liquoreux is characterized by fruity and floral notes, with a refreshing liveliness that makes it pleasant to drink. It pairs beautifully with dishes such as foie gras, blue-veined cheeses, or fruit-based desserts. Its moderate sweetness also makes it a perfect match for more daring dishes like spicy Asian cuisine.

A Wine Committed to Sustainability

In addition to the exceptional quality of its wines, Château Clos Saint Anne adopts environmentally friendly practices. Reducing the use of sulfites and focusing on the health of the soils and vines are part of a sustainability approach aimed at preserving the terroir for future generations. This ethical approach is perfectly in line with the values of the Courselle family, who seek to produce exceptional wines while respecting nature.

Why Choose Château Clos Saint Anne?

Château Clos Saint Anne embodies the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. As a family-owned estate, every bottle is the expression of unique artisanal know-how and a deep love for the Bordeaux terroir. Whether for its atypical Cadillac liquoreux or its elegant red Côtes de Bordeaux wines, the estate offers high-quality wines, appreciated by both amateurs and connoisseurs alike.

FAQ - Château Clos Saint Anne

What sets Château Clos Saint Anne’s Cadillac liquoreux apart from other sweet wines? Château Clos Saint Anne’s Cadillac liquoreux is distinguished by its balance of freshness and sweetness, with a more moderate sugar and alcohol content than other sweet wines, such as Sauternes.

What is the annual production of the Cadillac liquoreux? Production is limited to 5,000 bottles per year, making it a rare and precious wine.

How is the Cadillac liquoreux made? It is crafted from an equal blend of botrytized and raisined grapes, which adds unique complexity to the wine.

What type of dishes pair best with this wine? The Cadillac liquoreux pairs perfectly with foie gras, blue-veined cheeses, or fruity desserts. It can also complement spicier dishes.

How long is the wine aged in barrels? The wine is aged in barrels for a period of 4 to 6 months to preserve its freshness.

Why is bottling done early? Early bottling helps reduce the sulfite content, ensuring a more natural and environmentally respectful wine.

Conclusion

Château Clos Saint Anne, a family estate owned by the Courselle family, offers a range of wines that blend tradition, expertise, and innovation. Their Cadillac liquoreux, in particular, is a unique sweet wine that surprises with its freshness and complexity. Whether for its rarity or its gustatory qualities, this wine deserves a place of honor in any connoisseur’s collection.