Filhot

History of Château Filhot

The history of Château Filhot begins in the first half of the 17th century, when the ancestors of Romain de Filhot laid the foundations of the vineyard. In 1709, Romain de Filhot, a councillor at the Parliament of Bordeaux, undertook the construction of the eponymous château and adopted the "Sauternes" appellation for his sweet wines, replacing "Langon wine." After the French Revolution, the estate passed to the Lur-Saluces family, who also own the famous Châteaux d'Yquem and de Fargues. In 1840, Romain-Bertrand de Lur-Saluces unified the Château Filhot and Pineau du Rey lands, giving new impetus to the estate's wine production.

In 1855, during the famous classification of crus for the Paris Universal Exhibition commissioned by Napoleon III, Château Filhot was awarded the rank of second growth in the Sauternes appellation. During this period, the estate was also renamed "Château Sauternes" for better international recognition. It was not until 1901 that the original name, Château Filhot, was restored. The tradition continued in the 1930s with the de Vaucelles family, who continued to improve and develop the vineyard. Since 2015, Gabriel de Vaucelles has been running the estate, maintaining the quality standards inherited from his ancestors while innovating in wine production.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Château Filhot

The 62 hectares of Château Filhot vineyards stretch across the southern slope of the Sauternes hill, benefiting from optimal sunshine and a varied terroir. The soil is a mix of gravel, clay and sand, resting on a limestone subsoil, imparting the wine with an elegant minerality and refined structure. Bordered by the Landes forest massif and crossed by the Ciron River, the estate enjoys ideal microclimatic conditions. This morning humidity promotes the development of noble rot, an essential phenomenon for the production of great Sauternes sweet wines.

The vineyard is composed of three noble grape varieties: 60% Sémillon, 36% Sauvignon Blanc and 4% Muscadelle. Sémillon provides the typical sweetness and roundness of Sauternes, while Sauvignon Blanc contributes freshness and liveliness to the wine. The Muscadelle, in small proportion, enriches the aromatic profile with floral and candied fruit notes. The vines, with an average age of 37 years, are planted at a density of 6,000 vines per hectare, ensuring optimal concentration of aromas and sugars in each bunch.

Vinification at Château Filhot

Winemaking at Château Filhot is a subtle art, blending tradition and innovation. The harvest is carried out manually in successive passes to select the botrytised grape clusters. This meticulous method ensures the quality and homogeneity of the grapes, although the yield remains low, between 10 and 20 hectolitres per hectare, depending on the vintage.

The gently pressed grapes release delicate musts, which then ferment in 50-hectolitre stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. This fermentation, lasting 10 to 30 days depending on the grape variety and sugar concentration, is maintained between 19 and 21°C to preserve the richness of the aromas. After a light filtration, the wines are blended and aged for 20 to 24 months, with 30% of the barrels in Allier oak being renewed each year to impart subtle toasted and vanilla aromas.

The estate uses modern techniques, with stainless steel tanks and rigorous temperature control, ensuring the stability and quality of the wine. This care in winemaking results in balanced wines, with great finesse and a beautiful acidity, the signature of great Sauternes.

The Cuvées of Château Filhot

Château Filhot produces several prestigious cuvées that reflect the diversity and richness of its terroir.

Château Filhot

The grand vin of Sauternes, a second growth classified in the appellation, is renowned for its freshness and elegance. On the palate, it stands out with aromas of candied fruits, honey and white flowers, with a long, zesty and mineral finish.

Pineau du Roy

This second wine, produced in smaller quantities, embodies a more accessible approach to the Filhot style, with sweet and fruity notes that make it an enjoyable and balanced wine.

Filhot Crème de Tête

This premium cuvée is vinified to offer intense concentration and exceptional richness. The Crème de Tête is intended for connoisseurs seeking a unique aromatic experience with flavours of candied fruits and a creamy texture.

Château Filhot Gold Reserve

Introduced in 2010, this cuvée is composed of 60% Sémillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc. It stands out with its golden hue and complex profile. The bottle in the shape of a gold ingot emphasises its precious and unique character, marked by aromas of tropical fruits and vibrant acidity.

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 Filhot is a Sauternes viticultural treasure that blends tradition, know-how and innovation to offer exceptional wines. For over three centuries, the estate has distinguished itself by its dedication to quality, producing refined wines with a distinctive character, sometimes sweet and voluptuous, sometimes lively and balanced. From the aromatic richness of Sémillon to the vivacious notes of Sauvignon, each cuvée expresses the best of the Sauternes terroir, where noble rot elevates each grape to create a memorable gustatory experience.