Chenin Blanc Bordeaux: A New White Wine Vineyard at Château L’Éperon

Château L’Éperon Begins a New Chapter with the Planting of Chenin Blanc in Bordeaux

In spring 2025, Château L’Éperon began an ambitious new wine project: the creation of a new white wine vineyard in Bordeaux with the planting of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon… and most notably, Chenin Blanc.

A bold decision in a region traditionally known for its great red wines.

And an even more surprising one when you consider that Chenin Blanc is not permitted under the Bordeaux appellation.

Our future wines will therefore be produced under the IGP Atlantique designation.

Why make this choice?

Because at Château L’Éperon, we believe that great wine is born from the meeting between terroir and vision.

Why Plant Chenin Blanc in Bordeaux?

For several years, we have closely observed the limestone-rich soils of our estate in the heart of the Bordeaux wine region.

Our clay-limestone terroir, full of mineral-rich limestone stones, offers ideal conditions for white grape varieties capable of producing fresh, vibrant, and elegant wines.

Among all white grape varieties, Chenin Blanc has always fascinated us.

Why?

Because it offers:

• exceptional natural freshness,
• bright and expressive aromas,
• beautiful mineral tension,
• and remarkable aging potential.

We believe this grape variety can express something truly unique on our limestone hillsides in Bordeaux.

This project also reflects our desire to innovate and explore new expressions of white wine in Bordeaux.

A Limestone Terroir Perfect for White Wines

Terroir plays a fundamental role in the identity of every wine.

At Château L’Éperon, our limestone-rich soils provide excellent water regulation and help create white wines with freshness, elegance, and strong aromatic precision.

This type of terroir is highly sought after for producing gastronomic white wines with depth and minerality.

Our goal is to craft elegant and authentic IGP Atlantique white wines that truly express the character of our Bordeaux terroir.

Preparing the Soil Before Planting the Vineyard

Great wines begin long before the first grapes appear.

Before planting the new vineyard, we spent months carefully preparing the land to provide the young vines with the healthiest possible start.

Naturally Enriching the Soil

We first planted beans and special cover crops to naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen and valuable microelements.

This sustainable approach improves soil fertility while encouraging biodiversity in the vineyard.

Deep Work on the Limestone Terroir

We then carried out deep ploughing across the parcels.

Large limestone stones hidden underground were carefully removed to help the future vine roots grow faster, deeper, and stronger into the terroir.

This demanding work represents a major investment in time, labor, and long-term vision.

But building a great vineyard requires patience.

Planting the New Vines in Spring 2025

The new vines were finally planted during the first ten days of May 2025.

Today, these young plants are still fragile and will require years of attentive care before producing their first grapes.

We will need to wait at least three years before tasting the very first white cuvées from Château L’Éperon.

Three years of daily work.
Three years of guiding young vines through sunshine, rain, wind, and changing seasons.

Viticulture teaches humility.

But it also teaches hope.

A Future IGP Atlantique White Wine by Château L’Éperon

Although this future wine will not carry the Bordeaux appellation, we deeply believe in the potential of this project.

Producing an IGP Atlantique wine gives us the freedom to fully explore the expression of Chenin Blanc on our limestone terroir.

Our ambition is simple:
to create sincere, elegant, and vibrant wines capable of telling the story of our land and our château.

How You Can Support This New Wine Project

This new vineyard represents one of the most important investments in the history of Château L’Éperon.

Every bottle opened, every stay at the estate, and every visit to our vineyards directly supports this new adventure.

You can support this project by:

• 🍷 discovering our Bordeaux wines,
• 🏡 booking a stay in our vineyard villas,
• ☀️ joining our wine tastings and wine tourism experiences,
• 🎶 attending our summer events, L’Apéro de L’Éperon,
• 💛 sharing our story with fellow wine lovers.

One day, when the very first glass of Château L’Éperon Chenin Blanc is finally poured, you will know that you were part of this journey from the very beginning.

FAQ – Chenin Blanc Bordeaux & IGP Atlantique

Why is Chenin Blanc not allowed in the Bordeaux appellation?

Chenin Blanc is not included in the official list of grape varieties authorized under the Bordeaux AOC regulations. Wines produced from this variety are therefore classified as IGP Atlantique.

Why produce Chenin Blanc in Bordeaux?

The limestone terroir of Château L’Éperon is particularly well suited to fresh and mineral white grape varieties such as Chenin Blanc.

When will the first vintage be available?

The first white cuvées from this new vineyard should be released in approximately three years.