Chateau de France Pessac Leognan Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau de France Pessac Leognan with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, the history of the property, and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau de France History, Overview

The formation of Chateau de France dates back to 1681. To create the estate, the vineyard was cobbled together by purchasing vines from several neighboring estates. The cellars and the chateau were built at the end of the 17th century. In 1862, under the ownership of Jean-Henri Lacoste, Chateau de France became what we know of as the property today.

The modern era for Chateau de France begins in 1971 when the estate was purchased by Bernard Thomassin. At the time of his purchase, Chateau de France was in desperate need of restorations and renovations, which were accomplished under the direction of the new owner.

To help increase the level of quality being produced here, they brought Michel Rolland as their consultant. Today, Chateau de France remains a family-owned property as the estate is managed by the son of Bernard Thomasson, Arnaud Thomassin.

In 2011, there was a tragic fire that destroyed their cellars. Until they could build a new cellar, their wine was produced at neighboring Chateau Haut Bailly. In 2012, they completed building their new cellars and production resumed at the estate again.

Chateau de France Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 46-hectare vineyard of Chateau de France is planted to red and white wine grapes. For the red wine, the vineyard is planted to 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot. 4 hectares are reserved for the white wine grapes which are planted to 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. The Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon were planted in 1985.

Located not that far from Chateau de Fieuzal, the terroir is gravel, limestone, and clay soils. The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 6,950 vines per hectare. Prior to the 1995 vintage, the grapes were all machine harvested. However, starting with the 1995 vintage and going forward, all the fruit is now picked entirely by hand.

The red wine of Chateau de France is vinified in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat. The wine is aged in 50% new, French oak barrels for 12 months before bottling.

The white Bordeaux wine of Chateau de France is vinified in French oak barrels. There is no malolactic fermentation, but there is some, limited skin contact. The wine is then aged in 50% new, French oak barrels for an average of 7 to 9 months before bottling.

There is a second wine for both the red and white wine, Chateau Coquillas. On average, close to 20,000 cases of all their wines are produced at Chateau de France in every vintage. The estate produces another wine from the Pessac Leognan appellation, Le Bec en Sabot, which is considered their third wine.

The best vintages of Chateau de France are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009 and 2005. Although it is important to note that there are vintages when the red wine is much better than the white wine, as well as years when the whites are better than the reds.

When to Drink Chateau de France, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau de France can be enjoyed on the young side with decanting. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 1 hour or so. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau de France offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 6-12 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau de France, with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau de France is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. The red wine of Chateau de France is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.

Chateau de France is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese. The white wine of Chateau de France is a perfect wine to serve with shellfish, sashimi, sushi, all types of seafood, chicken, veal, and cheese.

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