Château Doisy Daêne Winery

Château Doisy Daêne is located in the village of Barsac (and the appellation of the same name), but is marketed under the name "Sauternes".

The estate was already mentioned in the 17th century. In contemporary descriptions and classifications - including Topographie de tous les vignobles connus, André Jullien 1832 - the white wines of Doisy were repeatedly emphasised. The château was given its current name when it was taken over by Jean Jacques Emmanuel Daêne, a wine merchant from Bordeaux.

After several changes of ownership, Georges Dubourdieu took over in 1924 and his son joined in 1950. in 2000, the internationally renowned oenologist Denis Dubourdieu became the third generation to take over the management. Denis conducted research as a professor at the University of Bordeaux and was regarded as a top expert not only in the production of white wines, but also in their ageing. Today, his sons Fabrice and Jean Jacques continue the family project. The Dubourdieus developed the estate, expanded the vineyards and created the Doisy-Daêne Grand Vin Sec.

Today, a Grand Vin de Sauternes (sweet) and a dry Bordeaux Blanc (Grand Vin Sec) are produced. In special vintages, there is the Cuvée L'Extravagant, "which is hard to beat in terms of richness."

The vineyards are located in the upper Barsac on a clay and limestone plateau. Sémillon, which is used exclusively for sweet wines, grows on 15 hectares. A further 10 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc are used to produce dry white wines. The average age of the vines is 50 years.

The grapes are harvested by hand in several passes. Fermentation takes place in barrels, separated by parcel. A first assemblage is made three months after the harvest. Ageing in barriques lasts around 12 months.

photos: Château Doisy Daêne