Château Filhot

Château Filhot, 2nd Grand Cru Classé in 1855 of Sauternes

Château Filhot is an iconic figure of the Bordeaux wine region, classified as a 2nd Grand Cru in 1855 within the Sauternes appellation. Founded in 1709 by Romain de Filhot, a prominent advisor in the Bordeaux Parliament, this wine estate continues to uphold a centuries-old tradition of excellence. Today, the estate is owned by Count Henri de Vaucelles and continues to produce renowned wines, recognized for their freshness, finesse, and minerality.

The estate spans 62 hectares, with a majority of Sémillon vines (60%), complemented by Sauvignon (36%) and a touch of Muscadelle (4%). These grape varieties are planted on gravel, clay, and sandy soils, laid over a limestone plateau, giving Château Filhot wines a unique aromatic richness and great elegance.

The History of Château Filhot

The Origins of the Estate (1709-1855)

Château Filhot was founded in 1709 by Romain de Filhot, an influential figure in the region, who also played an important role in the Bordeaux Parliament. Under his leadership, the estate expanded and gained a solid reputation, becoming a key player in Sauternes wine. The year 1855 marks a milestone in Château Filhot's history, with its classification as a 2nd Grand Cru Classé during the prestigious official Bordeaux wine classification commissioned by Napoleon III.

The Merger with Château Pineau du Rey

In recent history, a notable merger took place between Château Filhot and Château Pineau du Rey, another Sauternes vineyard. Following this merger, Château Pineau du Rey became the estate's second wine, allowing Château Filhot to focus more on the production of its grand vin, while still offering a high-quality second product.

Count Henri de Vaucelles: A New Era

Today, Château Filhot is led by Count Henri de Vaucelles, who inherited the family estate. Under his management, the estate continues to respect traditional methods while incorporating modern viticultural innovations to maintain the quality of the wines and remain competitive in the international market.

The Unique Terroir of Château Filhot

The Soils: Gravel, Clay, and Sand on a Limestone Plateau

Château Filhot's vineyard benefits from an exceptional terroir, consisting of gravel soils, clay, and sands. These elements, covering a limestone plateau, offer perfect natural drainage and ideal sun exposure. This combination allows the grapes to develop complex aromas and well-balanced acidity, essential for producing high-quality Sauternes wines.

The Climate and the Influence of the Garonne

The Sauternes climate is heavily influenced by the proximity of the Garonne River, which plays a crucial role in the formation of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), a condition essential for making sweet wines. This fungus, encouraged by morning fog followed by sunny afternoons, concentrates the sugars in the grapes while preserving natural freshness. This process is the foundation of great Sauternes wines, and Château Filhot is no exception.

The Vineyard and the Grape Varieties

The Grape Varieties: A Dominance of Sémillon

Château Filhot's vineyard is primarily planted with Sémillon (60%), a grape variety emblematic of Sauternes wines. Sémillon provides richness, creaminess, and concentration to the wines. This is complemented by Sauvignon (36%), which adds a pleasant acidity and floral aromas, along with a small proportion of Muscadelle (4%) that brings subtle and delicate aromatic notes.

Viticultural Practices

Château Filhot's viticultural practices combine traditional and modern approaches. Harvesting is done manually, bunch by bunch, selecting only grapes affected by noble rot. This meticulous process is repeated several times during the harvest to ensure that each berry has reached optimal ripeness.

Vinification and Aging of Château Filhot Wines

Fermentation in Oak Barrels

After the harvest, the grapes are pressed, and the juice is fermented in oak barrels. This fermentation process is slow and controlled, allowing the wine to develop a unique aromatic complexity. Fermenting in oak barrels adds structure and longevity to the wines while imparting subtle notes of vanilla and spices.

Prolonged Aging in Barrels

Château Filhot wines are aged in barrels for a period of 18 to 24 months, depending on the vintage. This long aging process allows the wines to refine and gain depth, while harmoniously integrating the woody and fruity aromas. The care taken at every stage of aging ensures the production of sweet wines with great finesse, capable of aging for several decades.

The Characteristics of Château Filhot Wines

The Freshness and Fineness of the Liqueur

Château Filhot wines are distinguished by their freshness and delicate liqueur. Unlike some sweet wines that may seem heavy, those from Château Filhot always retain a refreshing acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the sugar. This results in elegant wines, marked by aromas of exotic fruits, honey, and white flowers, with a minerality typical of the limestone terroir.

Minerality: A Unique Signature

Minerality is one of the most distinctive aspects of Château Filhot wines. This quality is directly linked to the limestone soil on which the vines are planted. It adds complexity and a remarkable length on the palate, reinforcing the exceptional character of the estate's wines.

Notable Vintages of Château Filhot

Vintage 2001

The 2001 vintage is considered one of the best produced by Château Filhot. This wine offers a beautiful aromatic concentration, with notes of candied fruits, honey, and orange marmalade. Its balanced structure and long finish make it an exceptional wine for aging.

Vintage 2010

The 2010 vintage is characterized by remarkable freshness, with intense aromas of peach, apricot, and candied lemon zest. Minerality is particularly present, offering a wine that is both powerful and elegant.

Vintage 2016

The 2016 vintage is a more recent one that impresses with its youth and liveliness. It displays aromas of white flowers, lemon, and a hint of vanilla. Its beautiful acidity promises excellent aging potential.

Château Pineau du Rey: The Second Wine of Château Filhot

With the merger of Château Filhot and Château Pineau du Rey, the latter has become the estate's second wine. Château Pineau du Rey is crafted with the same care as the grand vin, but often comes from younger vines or less prestigious plots of the estate. It offers a great introduction to the world of Sauternes wines, with a more accessible style, yet still marked by the freshness and aromatic richness that define Château Filhot wines.

Food and Wine Pairings with Château Filhot

Cheeses and Château Filhot Wines

The sweet wines of Sauternes, particularly those from Château Filhot, pair beautifully with a wide variety of cheeses, especially blue cheeses like Roquefort or Stilton, whose saltiness contrasts harmoniously with the wine's sweetness.

Desserts and Foie Gras

Another classic pairing is with foie gras, whose richness is balanced by the freshness and sweetness of Sauternes wines. For desserts, Château Filhot goes wonderfully with fruit tarts (especially apricot or lemon), crème brûlée, or almond-based pastries.

FAQ about Château Filhot

What grape varieties are used at Château Filhot? Château Filhot primarily uses the Sémillon grape variety (60%), accompanied by Sauvignon (36%) and Muscadelle (4%).

What is noble rot? Noble rot is a fungus called Botrytis cinerea that develops under specific climatic conditions, concentrating sugars in the grapes and enabling the production of sweet wines like those of Sauternes.

How long can Château Filhot wines be aged? Château Filhot wines can be aged for several decades, depending on the vintage. Some can age for up to 30 years or more.

What are the characteristics of Château Filhot wines? Château Filhot wines are known for their freshness, finesse, and minerality, with aromas of exotic fruits, honey, and white flowers.

What dishes pair well with Château Filhot? Château Filhot wines pair wonderfully with cheeses, foie gras, and fruit or almond-based desserts.

How large is Château Filhot's vineyard? The estate spans 62 hectares of vineyards located on gravel, clay, and sandy soils.

Conclusion

Château Filhot is a wine estate with a long-standing tradition, offering Sauternes wines of exceptional quality. Its unique terroir, rich history, and meticulous viticultural practices allow for the production of wines that are both rich, elegant, and capable of aging for decades. Whether for lovers of sweet wines or those wishing to discover the prestigious world of Sauternes, Château Filhot is a must.