Talbot

History of Château Talbot

Château Talbot derives its name from a famous historical figure: John Talbot, Constable of Guyenne and Earl of Shrewsbury. This great English warrior was defeated at the Battle of Castillon in 1453, thus marking the end of the Hundred Years' War. Although the estate has much older roots, the imprint of this name remains etched in the history of the vineyard.

The current estate began to distinguish itself in the 18th century under the aegis of the Marquis d'Aux de Lescout, who marketed their wines under the name "Talbot d'Aux". In 1855, during the famous classification of growths commissioned by Napoleon III, Château Talbot was promoted to 4th Classified Growth, a status it has proudly maintained since.

In 1918, the Cordier family, wine merchants, acquired the estate and ushered it into a new era of prosperity. Georges Cordier, then his son Jean, worked to make Château Talbot one of the most renowned growths of the Médoc. Today, Nancy Bignon-Cordier, granddaughter of Désiré Cordier, manages the estate alongside her husband Jean-Paul Bignon and their children. Thanks to visionary management and constant respect for traditions, Château Talbot continues to produce remarkable wines, while integrating modern innovations to refine each vintage.

The 1986 vintage of Château Talbot was awarded a score of 96/100 by Robert Parker, a testament to the remarkable quality and balance of this grand cru classé.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Talbot

Château Talbot benefits from an exceptional terroir located on the gravelly rises of Saint-Julien, bordering the Gironde estuary on the left bank. This unique terroir is composed of fine Günzian gravels, carried from the Massif Central and the Pyrenees by the Dordogne and Garonne rivers. These gravels rest on a clay base that allows excellent drainage, essential for the proper maturation of the grapes. It is on these lands, in the heart of the Saint-Julien appellation, that the estate's 110 hectares of vines flourish.

The vineyard is mainly devoted to red grape varieties, with 105 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, which represents 70% of the plantings, brings tannic structure and power. Merlot (26%) offers roundness and suppleness, while Petit Verdot (4%) adds spicy touches that enhance the blend. Château Talbot's red vines, with an average age of 30 years, produce wines of great aromatic complexity, with excellent ageing potential.

The estate also owns 5 hectares of white vines, mainly planted with Sauvignon Blanc (80%) and Sémillon (20%). This more confidential vineyard gives birth to an exceptional white wine, Caillou Blanc, which stands out for its freshness and aromatic richness.

Winemaking at Château Talbot

Winemaking at Château Talbot reflects respect for traditions combined with technological advances. The harvest is entirely manual, a crucial step that allows for rigorous grape selection. After an initial sorting in the vineyard, the bunches are meticulously inspected a second time upon arrival at the vat house, where only the healthiest and ripest grapes are kept.

The estate has both wooden and stainless steel vats, used according to the specific characteristics of each plot. Fermentations are conducted precisely to get the best out of each lot. Château Talbot also has a modern cellar, completed in 2012, which allows the wines to be aged under optimal conditions. This impressive cellar, designed by architects Paul Nairac and Gérard Vacheyrout, can accommodate up to 1,800 barrels, where the wines are aged for an average of 16 months.

The barrels, mainly French oak, are renewed at a rate of 50 to 60% each year. This care given to ageing gives Château Talbot wines remarkable finesse and complexity, without masking the expression of the terroir.

The wines of Château Talbot

Château Talbot

The estate's grand vin is a model of Saint-Julien. With its aromas of black fruits, delicate notes of tobacco and liquorice, and velvety tannins, Château Talbot is a racy wine, both powerful and elegant. Thanks to its perfect balance, it can be appreciated in its youth, while possessing exceptional ageing potential. Fine wine enthusiasts find in Château Talbot a choice ally for memorable tasting moments.

Connétable de Talbot

Connétable de Talbot, the estate's second wine, is one of the first second wines of the Médoc, appearing in the 1970s. It benefits from the meticulous attention given to the main vineyard and rigorous selections. This elegant wine, with aromas of red fruits and a silky texture, is more accessible in its youth than the grand vin, while retaining a beautiful structure and a long, fresh finish. Ideal for those looking to discover the world of Talbot with a wine that is both classic and approachable.

Caillou Blanc

Caillou Blanc is Château Talbot's white wine, one of the very first white wines produced in the Médoc. Made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, it is vinified in barrels, with lees stirring, in the purest Burgundian tradition. This rare and sought-after white wine stands out for its exotic aromas and freshness on the palate. It perfectly accompanies seafood or fish dishes, and is particularly appreciated at the table rather than as an aperitif.

Saint-Julien, a flagship appellation of the Médoc in Bordeaux, is renowned for its red wines of great finesse and longevity. Certain vintages particularly stand out for their exceptional quality, offering powerful, elegant and complex wines. Among the finest vintages, one finds years such as 1975, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1989 and 1990, which are true benchmarks for connoisseurs of age-worthy wines. More recent years have not been left behind, with notable vintages such as 1995, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012, all praised for their balance and ageing potential. The years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 also distinguish themselves through their richness and complexity, continuing to make Saint-Julien an essential reference in the world of wine.

Discover the full range of Fourth Classified Growths from Bordeaux, each one representing the richness of the Médoc's prestigious terroirs. In Saint-Julien, explore the wines of Château Beychevelle, Château Branaire-Ducru, and Château Talbot. In Pauillac, Château Duhart-Milon offers wines with the typical character of the appellation, while Château Lafon-Rochet in Saint-Estèphe provides robust vintages. In the Haut-Médoc, Château La Tour Carnet stands out, while Margaux's reputation is upheld by estates such as Château Marquis de Terme, Château Pouget, Château Prieuré-Lichine, and Château Saint-Pierre. Each of these estates reflects, in its own way, the unique identity of the Fourth Growths.

Château Talbot is much more than a wine estate; it is a true legend of Saint-Julien. Thanks to an exceptional terroir, a rich history and a constant quest for perfection, this Fourth Classified Growth produces wines of incomparable quality. Whether it's the powerful Château Talbot, the refined Connétable or the exotic Caillou Blanc, each cuvée reflects the passion and expertise of the teams led by Nancy Bignon-Cordier. Château Talbot wines are essential for lovers of great Bordeaux, offering an unforgettable tasting experience, to be savoured now or kept for the future.

Don't forget the other great estates and chateaux of Bordeaux such as our great Bordeaux White, with Yquem, the wolrd's most famous Sauternes !