Château Gilette

Chateau Gilette produces a highly sought-after nectar with a rich golden hue and complex flavours. The wine is made from carefully selected grapes affected by noble rot, which intensifies the sweetness and imparts unique aromas of honey, apricot, and citrus. Uniquely aged for a minimum of 15 to 20 years in neutral concrete vats, allowing for a slower maturation yet letting more complex aromas develop.

The 4.5-hectare Château Gilette is a renowned estate located in the commune of Preignac, within the Sauternes appellation. Situated in the village center, the vineyard boasts sandy pebble soils over calcareous subsoils and is surrounded by walls, creating a unique microclimate conducive to the growth of Botrytis cinerea. The vineyard is planted with 90% Sémillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc, and a small amount of Muscadelle, an aromatic variety that adds perfume and texture. The viticulture follows traditional organic practices, although it is not certified.

Chateau Gilette’s wine offers a luxurious and unforgettable tasting experience. Sometimes referred to as the “unicorn” of wines, it most certainly is a unique gem among Sauternes wines.

In the 1930s, Julie’s grandfather, René de Médeville, faced economic challenges in Bordeaux due to the Great Depression and opted to use concrete vats instead of expensive barrels. During World War II, René advised his wife to leave the wines in the vats, leading to an extended aging period. Upon his return, he noticed the wines were maturing slowly and developing complex aromas. Since then, the Médeville family has aged their Sauternes in concrete vats for decades, creating one of the region’s most distinctive wines.

Julie Médeville continues to follow the traditional winemaking methods established by her grandfather. Grape selection is meticulous, involving several rounds of picking, a common practice at the best Sauternes estates. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats, followed by aging in hermetically sealed concrete vats for an average of 20 years.

Despite their long aging, Gilette’s wines maintain a notable freshness, with a balanced sweetness. This extended aging process imparts a unique sweet-bitter balance and enhances complexity. The wines exhibit fully mature, expressive aromas and a rich texture while retaining a fresh, lively profile.