Gilette

History of Château Gilette

The history of Château Gilette begins in the 18th century, with the marriage of Numa Médeville and Marie Despujols, sealing the union between two renowned Sauternes wine families. This vineyard has been passed down from generation to generation, with each member of the Médeville family making a unique contribution. The modern era of the estate is marked by René Médeville, who in the 1930s innovated in terms of wine preservation and ageing. Faced with the context of war and economic crisis, he decided to let his wines age in vats for several decades, a technique that would transform the aromatic profile of the wines and enhance their longevity.

Today, under the direction of Julie Gonet-Médeville and her husband Xavier Gonet, the estate continues this tradition while opening up to international markets. Château Gilette has thus become a symbol of elegance and authenticity, and a global reference for great Sauternes.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Château Gilette

Château Gilette covers 4.5 hectares in Preignac, a privileged terroir for the cultivation of Sauternes sweet wines. The soil, composed of sand, gravel and rock, rests on a calcareous subsoil ideally located near the Garonne, creating optimal conditions for the development of noble rot, or botrytis cinerea. This fungus, essential to Sauternes wines, concentrates the aromas and intensifies the flavours of the grapes.

The vines, composed of 90% Sémillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle, are mostly planted in the 1930s. This selection of grape varieties reflects a well-considered choice by the Médeville family, who seek to preserve the typicality of their terroir. The old vines, carefully maintained, bring a unique aromatic complexity to the wines of Château Gilette.

Winemaking at Château Gilette

The winemaking process at Château Gilette is simple and precise, but it is the method of ageing in vats that truly distinguishes the wines of this estate. After traditional vinification in stainless steel tanks, the wines are transferred to epoxy-coated concrete vats, a technique initiated by René Médeville and still preserved by his descendants. The choice of this type of vat prevents any oxidation and allows the wine to age protected from the air for a period ranging from 15 to 20 years.

In contrast to the common practices of the Sauternes appellation, which favour oak barrel ageing, the wines of Château Gilette never see wood, which allows them to preserve an exceptional purity of aromas and freshness, even several decades after bottling. The wines thus retain a surprising youthfulness and particularly elegant aromas of candied fruits, sweet spices and bitter citrus. Once the vat ageing is complete, the wine is bottled and then stored for an additional three to five years before being released. This unique ageing method gives the wines of Château Gilette an extraordinary complexity and longevity, positioning them among the most sought-after by Sauternes connoisseurs.

The Cuvée of Château Gilette

The main cuvée of Château Gilette is a true work of art, a unique wine that embodies the essence of the estate. Produced from a carefully selected harvest and rigorous sorting, this wine captures the aromatic richness and finesse of an authentic Sauternes. The long years of maturation in concrete vats give the cuvée an exceptional character, where freshness is preserved while the aromas become more concentrated and complex.

The Château Gilette cuvée stands out for its captivating aromas of ginger, turmeric, candied fruits and bitter orange, flavours that evolve over the years, offering an exceptional tasting experience. On the palate, the liqueur is long and balanced, supported by a perfectly dosed acidity, providing unparalleled harmony. Thanks to its extended ageing without oxidation, this cuvée retains an astonishing youthfulness, even several decades after its elaboration. Connoisseurs appreciate its silky character and subtle notes of spices and fruits, which elegantly accompany the sweetness of its liqueur.

Each vintage of Château Gilette is produced in limited quantities, between 5,000 and 6,000 bottles only, and exclusively in good years. This rare and precious nature of the estate's cuvées gives them a unique place in the world of Sauternes and makes them highly sought-after by connoisseurs and collectors.

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 Gilette is a unique chateau in the Sauternes universe, where tradition and innovation converge to create an exceptional wine. Heir to a know-how passed down for more than three centuries, this family estate is now a reference for sweet wine lovers, offering a cuvée of unparalleled finesse and complexity. With its prolonged ageing process in concrete vats, the Château Gilette cuvée stands out for its freshness, depth and aromatic richness, symbolizing the authenticity and excellence of the great Sauternes.