Les Vignobles Secret includes Châteaux Bournac and La Chandellière in the commune of Civrac en Médoc.

Although traces of the farm date back to the 19th century, it wasn’t until the Secret family took over in the 1970s that it was revived. Today, the third generation of winegrowers has taken over.

The vineyard

Château Bournac’s vines have been cultivated since the 1870s, but when the owner’s only son was killed in action in 1915, with no new owner, the vineyard was abandoned and gradually fell into ruin.

It wasn’t until 1970 that Pierre Secret, from Picardy, settled in and took over the reins. With the help of his sons, he planted new plots of vines and in 1979, the vineyard was classified Cru Bourgeois.

That same year, Pierre’s two eldest sons, Hubert and Didier, set up their own business at Château La Chandellière, which was also classified Cru Bourgeois in 1989.

In 2008, Guillaume and Thibaud teamed up with Hubert and Didier (their father) to create a joint farming group (GAEC), bringing together the 2 Châteaux to optimize management of the estates and ensure quality production for the 3 vineyard cuvées. The two winemaking and ageing sites remain separate so that the wines retain their individual identities.

Vignobles Secret now covers 47 hectares.

In 2017 Guillaume and Thibaud decided to create a gîte in the farm’s historic home. Visitors can now enjoy an authentic, warm welcome.

Remarkable know-how and respect for the environment

Vignobles Secret, located just a few kilometers from the Gironde estuary, enjoys a microclimate between the ocean and the river, on one of the most renowned clay-limestone ridges in the area. This terroir enables the production of tannic, powerful, fruity AOC Médoc wines with well-developed ageing potential.

Particular care is given to pruning, bending, de-stemming and harvesting. After rigorous plot selection and meticulous manual sorting of the grapes, vinification is carried out in the traditional way, adapting to each vintage. Part of the production is then aged in oak barrels and the rest in vats.

The result is typical Médoc Crus Bourgeois that are round, powerful, supple, very fruity and ideal for ageing. A guarantee of impeccable quality and craftsmanship, Vignobles Secret cuvées are frequently rewarded by the Guide Hachette and competitions in Paris and Bordeaux, crowning an asserted savoir-faire.

Respect for the environment is an integral part of Vignobles Secret’s values.

In 2016, the estate obtained AREA certification, which recognizes responsible phytosanitary practices, efficient effluent management and biodiversity protection.

The vineyard also obtained HVE level 3 certification in 2018.

Proof of this commitment, the estate obtained the following certifications in 2020:

– Terra Vitis, which is an environmental certification present in all French wine-growing regions. Recognized by the French Ministry of Agriculture.

– Bee friendly, which through its label promotes agriculture that respects, encourages and integrates pollinators into its very heart. (On the farm Guillaume raises Caucasian bees and produces his own honey)

– ISO 14001, which certifies the vineyard’s environmental management system.

Vignobles Secret wines

Château Bournac: between tradition and modernity

A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, with notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry) and silky tannins, Château Bournac is a structured, round and powerful wine. Aeration reveals empyreumatic, caffeinated and spicy notes.

A generous, opulent palate with a fresh, elegant finish that pairs perfectly with red meats, meats in sauce or cheeses. This wine can be kept for 10 to 15 years.

La Chandellière, a typical Médoc Cru Bourgeois that’s a must-taste

La Chandellière, which blends power and suppleness. It has a more moderate structure resulting from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

With young fruit and mellow tannins, this wine offers a fruity nose – notably aromas of strawberry and raspberry – with woody, spicy and toasty notes. It will also keep for 10 to 15 years.

Rich on the palate, it is a perfect match for Bordeaux specialties.

Little B, a modern vintage for friends

Little B, supple and fruity, is a pleasure wine to enjoy as an aperitif, with a salad, or with convivial dishes such as raclette.

Made from a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, the nose reveals aromas of blackcurrant, vanilla and brioche, with floral notes upon aeration. With soft, silky tannins, it’s a real treat!