Many people believe that from an environmental perspective there is only one certification – organic.

In actual fact, there are several solutions for wine growers to secure endorsement for their ‘good’ winegrowing practices.

All of these standards aim to reduce the impact of our business on the environment and on people.

At Château Tour Saint-Fort, when we bought the estate in 2016, we immediately took steps to farm more sustainably, reducing and improving usage of some plant protection products.

In 2019, we completed our first fundamental step by being certified AREA (Environmentally-friendly farming in Aquitaine).

Recognised by the Grenelle environmental bill, the scheme promotes farms which use techniques that are particularly respectful of natural surroundings. Properties make a pledge to rise to three major challenges: reducing chemical-induced pollution; preserving biodiversity and using natural resources sensitively.

Level 2 certification: compliance with a set of 16 standards for good environmental practice revolving around 4 themes – biodiversity; plant protection; fertilisation; water management.

The next stage for us is HVE3 (High environmental value level 3) certification, through which we will fully embrace sustainable winegrowing over the long term. Interestingly, Bordeaux has over 500 wine estates certified under the scheme, making it the leading certified region in France. According to the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB), Bordeaux accounts for 27% of French wine farms with the endorsement.

2017 enabled us to ‘engage’ with our new facilities in conditions that were less than perfect due to the fact that the new vat room was not 100% operational.

With this vintage, we were able to start gauging its potential.

This is important considering our ambition, which is to improve the single vineyard selection process and bring out the ultimate sense of place in our wines.

We have established a map of our soils so that we can gain a better understanding of the variations we had witnessed in the winery.

The barrel ageing process has just added the final touches to the structure of our wine and we are almost ready to bottle. After 2016 and 2017, the 2018 vintage has enabled us to better assess the changes and improvements to the balance in our wines.

Several of the world’s wine critics have noticed the changes:
Jane Anson – Decanter (England) 90
Jancis Robinson (England) 16.5
Yves Beck (Switzerland) 90-92
Markus Del Monego (Germany) 90
Yohan Castaing – Anthocyanes 90-92
Jonathan Choukroun –Vert de Vin Magazine 90-91
Sylvie Tonnaire – Terre de Vins 93
Jacques Dupont – Le Point 14.5-15

If you are interested, you can now start reserving 75cl bottles or magnums at En Primeur prices.

To place orders, please contact us on +33 5 56 59 38 19 or by e-mail
contact@chateautoursaintfort.com

Poppies have been growing in our vineyards for many years.

In 2019, we decided to offer you the chance to see a different aspect of our property by creating a fresh, delicate rosé.

This fruity wine is the perfect complement for appetisers or barbecues now that we can once again share some special moments with friends and family.

To mark its launch, we are offering you one free bottle for every case of six bottles purchased.

If you are interested, please contact us on +33 5 56 59 38 19 or by e-mail
contact@chateautoursaintfort.com

When we refurbished the Château, we decided to create 5 guest rooms so that we could welcome our visitors in comfort.

Our Saint-Estèphe location means that we can welcome you in unspoilt surroundings, away from the main roads through the Médoc.

Each room offers a comfortable, restful atmosphere and a complete range of amenities so that you can enjoy your evenings to the full.

You will be able to enjoy breakfast surrounded by vineyards.

During your stay, you will discover the various aspects of our vineyards and the surrounding area.

You will also get the chance to taste our wines.

Book now by e-mail: visite@chateautoursaintfort.com