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This is undoubtedly one of the strengths of French vineyards, and one that no wine from the New World can usurp: a rich history. And in this field, Château Rousseau de Sipian is a remarkable example.
The history of the estate
The Château Rousseau de Sipian estate was created in the 19th century by Guillaume Rousseau, owner of the Frêche estate, and Marie Bert, owner of the Sipian estate. In the early days of the Third Republic, Aristide Rousseau, then master of the house, had this splendid neo-Renaissance château built.
At a time when the use of labels is becoming increasingly widespread, the domaine’s wines are gaining in notoriety. In the early 2000s, the Racey family acquired Château Rousseau de Sipian, which enjoys a privileged location in the heart of the Médoc. True wine lovers, the new owners embarked on a major restoration and modernization project to return the château to its former splendor.
Not long ago, a Chinese investment group with a passion for French culture acquired the estate, and since then has been scrupulously respecting its traditions and ancestral know-how.
Terroir and vineyard characteristics
Château Rousseau de Sipian proudly overlooks the Gironde estuary. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot are planted on this impressive 10-hectare estate.
In order to allow the Médoc terroir to express itself through its grapes, the vines here are the object of particular care, with the aim of producing the exceptional wine of Château Rousseau de Sipian.
And to produce one of the Médoc‘s finest wines, the estate favors limited yields and hand-picking.
And to discover this AOC wine, the Château team welcomes wine-lovers by appointment for an introduction to the history of the estate, a tour of the premises and a tasting of two different vintages with commentary and guidance from a sommelier. This activity is offered from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
Estate wines
Château Rousseau de Sipian is a subtle blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. These come directly from the estate’s most favorably exposed plots. As mentioned above, the grapes are harvested by hand, at the height of ripeness. Once harvested, the grapes are vinified precisely in line with the qualitative potential of each vintage.
Once these first two stages have been completed, Château Rousseau de Sipian wines are matured for a full year in oak barrels. Only then are the batches carefully blended and the resulting wine bottled.
Château Rousseau de Sipian produces 55,000 bottles a year, with some great vintages to discover, such as the 2013 vintage, which won the Gilbert et Gaillard Gold Medal.
Photos: Château Rousseau de Sipian
