Château de Lionne, Véronique Smati: a feminine Bordeaux vineyard

Véronique Smati is not your typical winemaker. Far from growing up among vines, her initial path led her through the worlds of antiques and restaurant management. It wasn't until 2007 that she ventured into the wine industry, acquiring Château de Lionne with her husband.

How did you come to winemaking?

From antiquing to winemaking

I was looking to reinvent myself professionally. It was a real upheaval in my life,

Véronique recalls.

Upon taking over the estate, Véronique surrounded herself with a skilled vineyard worker already on site and received the support of a consulting oenologist who oversees daily work in the cellars.

How did you transform the vineyard?

Fresh and fruity wines "pleasant to drink"

Located in the heart of the commune of Illats, the Château de Lionne vineyard spans 37 hectares. From the outset, Véronique embarked on a major restructuring of the vines.

I took over the vineyard from A to Z, starting by reducing the use of chemical inputs in the vineyards,

the winemaker explains.

I also introduced manual harvesting, which we now practice 100%.

Aiming to produce fresh and fruity wines "pleasant to drink," Véronique dedicates part of her hectares to both red and white wines. She creates subtle blends using the emblematic grape varieties of the Graves terroir: cabernet, merlot, and petit verdot for reds, and sauvignon and sémillon for whites.

The cuvée "Château de Lionne," a blend of 70% merlot, 15% cabernet-sauvignon, and 15% petit verdot, perfectly embodies the personality Véronique wishes to infuse into her wines. With a light structure and smooth tannins, this wine is ideal for pairing with grilled meats on the plancha or barbecue.

How do you promote the Graves appellation?

Bal des Graves: promoting Graves wines

As a member of the board of the Syndicat des Vins de Graves, Véronique is heavily involved in promoting the Graves appellation. She also serves as the communication manager for the syndicate. Each year, she participates in organizing the Bal des Graves, an event designed to showcase the pairing of local seafood with AOC Graves wines in a chic and relaxed guinguette atmosphere!

Frequently asked questions about Château de Lionne

Where is Château de Lionne located?

The estate lies in Illats, a village within the Graves appellation, south of the Bordeaux region. It covers 37 hectares of vineyard.

Who runs Château de Lionne?

Véronique Smati has owned the property since 2007. After careers in antiques and hospitality, she took on the vineyard alongside her husband and made wine her new calling.

Which grapes go into the wines?

The reds draw on merlot, cabernet and petit verdot. For the whites, sauvignon is paired with sémillon, both classic varieties of the Graves.

What style of wine does Véronique Smati make?

She looks for lively, fruit-forward wines meant for easy enjoyment. Her signature cuvée, led by merlot, shows a light frame with soft tannins that suits grilled dishes.