The Councillor's Castle
A fine winemaking heritage
The story ofChâteau la Conseillantebegins in the 18th century. Catherine Conseillan, from a family of merchants, acquired the vineyards ofPomeroland had the castle built. From the very beginning of this winemaking activity, she managed the estate with an iron fist. In homage to her ambitions, the castle was named after her.
ThereNicolas familyacquires in1871the estate. On this date, the family coat of arms was placed on the Pomerol lands. It was also at this time that the color purple was chosen as a component of the Château's brand image. The vineyard area has remained unchanged since then; only the estate managers have changed. A Family Council was created in 1960. This body allows all members of the Nicolas family to oversee themajor strategic decisionstaken by the domain.
Today, the 5th generation is at the head of the estate, in the person ofBertrand and Jean-Valmy NicolasMarielle Cazaux manages the winery, advised on the winemaking process by...Michel RollandSince 2015, major renovations have been undertaken at the beginning of the 21st century to modernize traditional methods. A second wine was created in 2007, and the new circular winery, designed by Bernard Mazières, was built in 2012. A passion for wine and a commitment to offering the best to the consumer guide every decision at Château la Conseillante.
A perfectionist viticulture
Between modernity and tradition
The vineyard ofChâteau La Conseillantespans 12 hectares ofPomerolThe estate is one of the appellation's iconic properties. The Merlot (80%) thrives in clay soil, which lends roundness and smoothness to the wines. The Cabernet Franc (20%), on the other hand, benefits from gravelly soil that warms each vintage. These two grape varieties share the same subsoil composed of iron-rich clay, which contributes structure to the wine.
The estate, organized into 18 micro-plots, is experiencing ademanding managementDouble Guyot pruning, four plowings, and green harvesting are all techniques that ensure thecrop qualityThe vines, averaging 30 years old, are cultivated sustainably, with the utmost respect for the land. The oceanic influences and temperate climate of Pomerol contribute to the complexity of the grapes. The vineyard benefits from excellent sun exposure and rainfall levels, ensuring ideal conditions for the development of...fine vintages.
The consistency of superb vintages
A united and ambitious team
After a meticulous hand-harvesting process, the grapes pass through four sorting tables. This step allows for a gentler selection of the berries, as they are not jostled by the rapid movements of the harvesting teams.
The wine ofChâteau La Conseillanteis made withelegance and modernityAfter maceration, the grapes are placed in the estate's approximately 22 concrete vats. A cold pre-fermentation maceration takes place over a period of 48 to 96 hours. Alcoholic fermentation then follows. After a week, the team carries out a traditional vertical pressing. The wines are vinified by plot and aged in barrels for 18 months. This takes place in the spring, under the guidance ofMichel Rolland, oenologist, that the wines are blended. Château La Conseillante surprises bythe consistency of its 145 vintagesThe ruby robe reveals aromas of truffles, licorice, and violet. These harmonious wines are the pride of theNicolas familyIn homage to these floral aromas, they decided to tint the winery and bottle labels purple.
