Chateau Arnauld, Haut Medoc, Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau Arnauld Haut Medoc, 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 Arnauld History, Overview

While Chateau Arnauld has a long history in Bordeaux as the vineyard was initially created close to the end of the 17th century. In fact, the property takes its name from the founder of the vineyard, Pierre Jacques Arnauld, who initially called the property Cru Arnauld. However, the modern era for the property begins when the estate was purchased in 2007 by its current owners, the Assurances Generales de France from the Roggy family, who owned the vineyard since 1956.

Over the past few years, Chateau Arnauld has enjoyed a complete renovation. The main reception room was completed in 2019 and the barrel cellar was finished being renovated in 2020. Hubert de Bouard is the consultant.

Chateau Arnauld Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 17.5-hectare Left Bank vineyard of Chateau Arnauld is planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot. Though it is interesting to note that the blend varies widely, with some vintages containing more than 50% Merlot in the final blend.

The terroir is gravel and clay soils. The vineyard is divided into two main sections, with 12.5 hectares planted in Lamarque and the remaining 5 hectares placed in the commune of Arcins. The vines are old with an average age of 40 years. The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 10,000 vines per hectare.

The wine is vinified in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank. The wine is then aged in a combination of mostly new, French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling. There is a second wine, Comte d’Arnauld. There is also a third wine, Collection Arnauld, which is a small-production, high-end bottling from the property that is aged in 100% new, French oak barrels for up to 24 months. In total, Chateau Arnauld produces close to 7,500 cases of wine per vintage.

The best vintages of Chateau Arnauld are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

When to Drink Chateau Arnauld, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Arnauld needs some time before it can be enjoyed. Young vintages can be decanted for between 1-2 hours. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Chateau Arnauld is usually better with at least 2-4 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Arnauld offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 3-15 years of age after the vintage.

Serving and Decanting Chateau Arnauld with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

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

Chateau Arnauld is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

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