Château Carbonnieux

History and architecture lovers rejoice – the beautiful winemaking property of Château Carbonnieux dates back to the 12th century, with medieval traces and remnants seamlessly incorporated into the 17th century Château. It is a stunning introduction to the properties of the Pessac – Leognan region in Bordeaux. Merely a stone’s throw away from the city of Bordeaux itself, the wider Graves region has always been less famous than its cousin the Medoc but is equally capable of making stunning wines. Pessac is full of delightful wine châteaux, ancient history, and welcoming owners.

Vines were first planted at Carbonnieux by Benedictine monks in the 18th century. When the American president Thomas Jefferson paid a visit here during his grand tour of the Bordeaux vineyards in 1787, the monks were still running the show. Sadly, they were another casualty of the French Revolution and were evicted once it broke out. Like so many others in the region, the property would experience many years of misfortune, as vine disease, the depression, and the Second World War all contributed towards its neglect. Thankfully the modern era of Carbonnieux saw a renaissance for the estate when Marc Perrin brought the property. The vineyards were in dire shape after the frost that year, and the Château had been empty for half a century. Today it is run by his ever affable son Anthony and his two sons Eric and Philibert.

Anthony has restored the Château and its wines’ reputation, particularly their white wines, with great passion and pride, whilst in pursuit of his mantra of reasonably priced wine for all. Their wines may not share Haut-Brion or Margaux’s status, but they are consistent, fairly priced, and extremely reliable. Stylish and accessible, both the reds and the whites impress tasters with their consistent quality. Anthony loves to welcome visitors to his estate and is a terrific host. For its stunning Château, lovely soft wines, and a warm welcome, we cannot imagine a better introduction to the region of Pessac-Leognan.