Sigalas Rabaud

History of Château Sigalas Rabaud

The history of Château Sigalas Rabaud dates back to the 17th century when the magistrates of the Bordeaux parliament discovered the potential of the great terroirs on the left bank of the Garonne. It was during this time that Counsellor Rabaud created a vast 60-hectare vineyard, taking advantage of the exceptional soil quality around the Ciron, a tributary of the Garonne. This estate quickly established itself among the greatest names in the region, on par with prestigious properties such as Yquem and Rayne Vigneau, according to the Jullien Guide in 1832.

In 1863, Henri de Sigalas acquired the estate, which had gradually deteriorated. Through his hard work, he managed to restore the cru's reputation. By the end of the 19th century, the property, though reduced in size, was recognised for the consistent quality of its wines. In 1903, his son Pierre Gaston de Sigalas, despite having passions in other areas, retained a 14-hectare plot which he renamed "Sigalas Rabaud". This "jewel of Sigalas" then became the expression of a unique terroir distinguished by its consistency and homogeneity.

Over generations, the Sigalas family continued to watch over this viticultural jewel, modernising the facilities and adopting environmentally respectful agricultural practices. Today, Laure de Lambert Compeyrot, who has headed the property since 2013, continues this tradition with passion, seeking to combine modernity with respect for ancestral expertise. Under her direction, Sigalas Rabaud obtained High Environmental Value certification in 2016, marking its commitment to sustainable viticulture.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Sigalas Rabaud

Château Sigalas Rabaud is situated in the commune of Bommes, on a unique 14-hectare terroir in one piece, considered one of the most homogeneous and qualitative in the Sauternes region. The property lies on the famous "Sauternes terrace", a slight south-facing slope. This terroir benefits from an exceptional composition, combining a clay subsoil with siliceous-gravelly soil, an alluvial deposit left by the Garonne approximately 600,000 years ago. This combination allows ideal water supply for the vine while ensuring perfect grape maturation.

Another key element of the terroir is its proximity to the Ciron, a small river that crosses the region. Its cold waters favour the formation of morning mists necessary for the development of Botrytis cinerea, the famous fungus responsible for noble rot. This natural process, amplified by the region's specific climatic conditions, creates botrytised grapes, whose concentration of aromas and sugar gives Sauternes all its richness.

The vineyard is planted predominantly with Sémillon (85%), the emblematic grape variety of Sauternes wines, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc (15%) which brings freshness and vivacity. To preserve the genetic quality of the vines, mass selection is practised, allowing the preservation of remarkable old vine DNA.

Vine cultivation at Château Sigalas Rabaud is extremely rigorous. The human scale of the estate allows precise plot-by-plot monitoring throughout the year, with meticulous practices such as de-budding, leaf removal, and green harvesting. Each intervention is carefully considered and swiftly executed to ensure an exceptional harvest.

Vinification at Château Sigalas Rabaud

Vinification at Château Sigalas Rabaud follows exacting principles, inherited from several generations of experience and expertise. Harvesting is done exclusively by hand, in several successive passes, to select only grapes affected by noble rot. This long and meticulous process spans several months, from September to November, as not all grapes ripen simultaneously. Each berry must be scrutinised to verify its concentration level of sugar and aromas before being picked.

Once harvested, the grapes are delicately pressed, using pneumatic and vertical presses to extract pure and concentrated juice. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels to preserve and enhance the aromas naturally present in the botrytised grapes. The wines are then aged for 18 months in barrels, of which 25% are new, to bring subtle notes of vanilla and spices without masking the wine's fruity richness.

This long and attentive ageing process allows Sigalas Rabaud wines to develop their aromatic complexity, roundness on the palate, and immense ageing potential. The estate's wines are renowned for their silky texture, balance between sweetness and freshness, and remarkable length on the palate.

The Cuvées of Château Sigalas Rabaud

Château Sigalas Rabaud - 1er Cru Classé 1855 (Sauternes)

The estate's flagship cuvée, Château Sigalas Rabaud, is the ultimate expression of this exceptional terroir. Blended from at least 90% Sémillon, this great Sauternes is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. With a sugar content exceeding 120g/L, this dessert wine captivates with its golden and brilliant colour, and its complex bouquet combining aromas of candied citrus, dried apricots, honey, and exotic fruits. On the palate, it reveals an unctuous texture, with a long and persistent finish, marked by a beautiful acidity that balances the wine's sweetness.

Le Lieutenant de Sigalas

Le Lieutenant de Sigalas, the estate's second wine, comes from the same terroir as the grand cru classé but is distinguished by a blend of Sémillon (83%) and Sauvignon Blanc (17%). With a slightly lower sugar content (110g/L), this dessert wine is characterised by floral aromas and white-fleshed fruits. Lighter and to be consumed younger than the first wine, it offers beautiful freshness on the palate while maintaining remarkable aromatic complexity. It lends itself perfectly to original food and wine pairings, particularly as an aperitif or with poultry and fruity desserts.

The best vintages of Sauternes and Barsac, two prestigious Bordeaux appellations, include exceptional years such as 1945, 1947, 1949, 1955, 1959, and 1967, recognised for their finesse and complexity. Among more recent vintages, notable years include 1975, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, as well as the legendary 2001. Sweet wine enthusiasts will also appreciate the years 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2013. Finally, the excellent climatic conditions of recent decades have produced memorable vintages in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. These wines offer unique aromatic richness and remarkable ageing potential.

Discover the exceptional treasures of the Grands Crus Classés of Sauternes and Barsac, where each estate tells a unique story of expertise and excellence. The prestigious Château d'Yquem, Premier Grand Cru Supérieur, embodies the quintessence of Sauternes. Among the Premiers Grands Crus Classés, explore the subtleties of Château Climens and Château Coutet in Barsac, as well as the wonders of Château Guiraud, Clos Haut-Peyraguey, Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Château La Tour Blanche, Château Rabaud-Promis, Château de Rayne-Vigneau, Château Rieussec, Château Sigalas-Rabaud, and Château Suduiraut in Sauternes. Each estate invites you to dive into the enchanting world of dessert wines, combining aromatic richness, finesse, and elegance, for an unforgettable sensory experience.

Château Sigalas Rabaud, with its rich history and exceptional terroir, embodies the excellence of the Premiers Crus Classés of Sauternes. Its production, marked by constant care and attention to detail, offers wines of great finesse and unique aromatic richness. Whether it's the grand cru classé or its second wine, each bottle of Sigalas Rabaud is a promise of pleasure for enthusiasts of great dessert wines. With its commitment to sustainable viticulture, the estate perpetuates a family tradition while resolutely projecting itself towards the future.