Vieux Château Labatut

The family history of Château Labatut began in 1964 when Maxime Danflous, a passionate and determined agricultural worker, acquired the estate from his late employer. Maxime and his wife, Adrienne, became the stewards of a viticultural heritage and the values of the château, as well as a deep love for the terroir. This viticultural legacy has been passed down through generations, first to Christian Danflous and his wife, and then to their son, Frédéric Danflous, who has been managing the estate since 2018.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

What does the vineyard look like?

A majestic vineyard

The Vieux Château Labatut vineyard majestically spans approximately 4 hectares. The vines thrive on clay-limestone soils of a limestone plateau with fossils and clay-sandy soils drained by the Barbanne. The estate produces wines under the AOC Montagne-Saint-Émilion designation. This renowned satellite of Saint-Émilion resonates as a mark of quality, reinforcing the estate's reputation. Manual harvesting reflects a respect for each bunch, ensuring impeccable grape quality.

How does the estate balance tradition and innovation?

Innovation and tradition

Since 2018, Frédéric Danflous, who took over the family torch, has a clear aspiration: to preserve ancestral methods while developing the vineyard in an environmentally respectful manner. Authenticity and commitment to traditional know-how are palpable in every aspect of Vieux Château Labatut. Tools handcrafted by Maxime Danflous, such as ladders and bottle carts, are still in use today.

Environmental respect and terroir preservation are also ingrained in the DNA of Vieux Château Labatut. Harvesting is done manually to select the best bunches, while all agricultural interventions are reasoned, and viticultural practices are certified HVE (High Environmental Value). The wines, primarily blended from Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), are a living expression of this dedication to nature and quality.

With childhood memories of discussions about winemaking and walks through the vines, Frédéric embodies the fusion of past traditions with a modern approach to the wine world. He strives to showcase the family and viticultural heritage of Vieux Château Labatut by making its wines accessible to a broader audience.

What makes the Montagne-Saint-Émilion wines special?

Exceptional wines

Montagne-Saint-Émilion, located adjacent to the Saint-Émilion vineyard, is a highly regarded AOC. This exceptional terroir is reflected in every bottle produced by Vieux Château Labatut. Frédéric’s favorite red wine, the “Vieux Château Labatut” cuvée, is a deeply nuanced bottle with a subtle oakiness and open tannins, reflecting its exceptional terroir in perfect harmony with the winemaker's philosophy. The absence of sulfites signifies a harmony with nature while preserving a fruity flavor that never forgets the essence of the wine.

Vieux Château Labatut is more than just a vineyard; it is the guardian of flavors and traditions shaped and perpetuated over decades. Each sip is not only an exploration of the unique Montagne-Saint-Émilion terroir but also an immersion into the values, history, and expertise of a family.

Discover the wines of Vieux Château Labatut directly from the estate, at the estate price, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Vieux Château Labatut

Where is Vieux Château Labatut located?

The estate sits in the Montagne-Saint-Émilion appellation, a satellite of Saint-Émilion on Bordeaux's right bank. Its vineyard spreads over close to 4 hectares of clay-limestone slopes.

Which grape varieties go into the wines?

The blend leans heavily on Merlot, around 80 %, rounded out with roughly 20 % Cabernet Sauvignon. This classic Bordeaux pairing yields supple, fruit-forward reds.

Who runs the estate today?

Frédéric Danflous has led the property since 2018. A descendant of the line started by Maxime Danflous in 1964, he keeps the family know-how alive while making the wines accessible to a wider audience.

Does the estate farm with the environment in mind?

Yes. Its viticulture is certified High Environmental Value (HVE) and vineyard work stays measured. Grapes are picked by hand so that only the healthiest bunches are kept.

What is the Vieux Château Labatut cuvée like?

The estate's signature red comes across as layered, with a light touch of oak and approachable tannins. Made without added sulfites, it holds a fruity character true to its Montagne-Saint-Émilion terroir.