Contents
The history of the estate
Château de Villambis was donated in the 18th century and takes its name from the Latin “Villa ambis viis” (the villa at the crossroads of two voices), attested to by the presence of a Gallo-Roman fountain. The estate developed over two centuries, and in 1932, Château de Villambis was classified as a Cru Bourgeois, giving it greater visibility and recognition.
In 1954, following a change of ownership, the estate took on a social dimension, taking in and housing children until 1978. This vocation took on even greater importance when Adapei bought the estate in 1979 and set up a Centre d’Aide par le Travail to support disabled workers.
It was only in 1982 that the winery was reconstituted and returned to its former viticultural activities. Since then, the estate, in the Haut Médoc appellation, has renewed its Cru Bourgeois distinction every year.
The terroir
The estate covers 18 hectares, including 15 hectares in production, located 10km from Pauillac and 50km from Bordeaux.
The vineyard terroir is composed of Pyrenean gravel and sand. All of this rests on a subsoil of limestone cracked with clay. The blending of these soils is typically Médoc and explains the finesse of the wines produced here. Similarly, these soils are planted according to Médoc traditions: 61% Merlot and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon. Since 2018, Petit Verdot has also been introduced to the vineyard to bring complexity to these fine, balanced wines.
The wines
Château de Villambis, a Cru Bourgeois cuvée, stands out for its elegant nose and generous fruitiness. The whole is accompanied by the roundness of the Merlot and the finesse and balance of the terroir’s soils. This wine is the perfect accompaniment to a fine piece of rare beef with potato gratin.
The second wine, aost de Villambis, is also a blend of Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot. Its color is a brilliant garnet, and its nose is very fresh. Spicy, fruity aromas ensure a deliciously gourmet taste. On the palate, the wine is balanced between fruitiness and fleshiness. Idoine with a sunny barbecue in summer.
Photo by Château Villambis