Chateau Loudenne Rouge 2003

The history of Chateau Loudenne is inextricably linked with the British wine trade. Built in the 17th century, Loudenne had many owners until 1875 when it was sold to two English brothers, Walter and Alfred Gilbey. The Gilbeys were already well known wine and spirit merchants in London and producers of the gin of the same name. The wines of Loudenne prospered in the British trade, surviving two world wars and the estate underwent a renovation programme in the 1960s and 70s. Under the energetic and experienced management of Martin Bamford MW, Chateau Loudenne remained part of Gilbey’s despite successive take-overs. Finally owned by Diageo, the Chateau was eventually sold in 2000 after more than a century of English ownership. In March of 2000, the Chateau was bought by the Lafragette family who had established their reputation in the Cognac industry. In 2013, the estate was purchased by the Moutai group from the Guizhou province, southern China, which traditionally specialises in brandies but also has wines in its portfolio.

Chateau Loudenne, with its 154 acres of planted vineyards, prides itself on the quality of their terroir which slowly descends to the river’s edge with excellent soils comprised of gravel, clay and limestone. While this area is known to be a cooler climate than the rest of the Médoc, the river tends to act as a mirror and reflects the warm sun onto the vineyards.

With all of these elements in place, Chateau Loudenne will continue to produce distinctive and elegant wines made from their estate vineyards that surround this historic ‘Suffolk pink” chateau, complemented by the blooms of the rose garden.