CHATEAU CANTENAC

Château Cantenac – The Elegance of a Family Grand Cru Since 1832

A House Rooted in the History of Saint-Émilion. For nearly two centuries, Château Cantenac has carried forward the winemaking tradition of Saint-Émilion, a symbol of Bordeaux’s cultural and viticultural heritage. Nestled on a gentle rise west of the medieval town, the estate flourishes around its 19th-century building at the heart of the “Cantenac” locality. Here, the vine speaks with nobility, shaped by time, soil, and human care.

One Family, Four Generations, One Passion

Since 1937, Château Cantenac has belonged to the Roskam-Brunot family—a story of passion and perseverance. Today, Nicole Roskam-Brunot and her sons, the fourth generation, carry on this family legacy with dedication and respect for the land.

Each vintage is conceived as a work of art—a dialogue between vine, climate, and craftsmanship. As Nicole says: “Each vintage is a new melody, with endless variations.”

Visitors to Saint-Émilion are warmly welcomed by the family, eager to share their story, their wines, and their philosophy.

The Terroir – A Natural Symphony

The 19-hectare vineyard rests on gravel-clay and clay soils with ideal south-facing exposure. This geological diversity gives the wines their elegant structure and refined bouquet, hallmarks of Saint-Émilion Grands Crus.

• Grape varieties: 75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Average vine age: 35 years
• Yield: 40–45 hl/ha
• Annual production: around 100,000 bottles
• Certification: High Environmental Value (HVE) since 2019

The estate practices sustainable viticulture that respects soils and biodiversity, supported by an oenological consultant. Every decision aims to express this exceptional terroir’s personality.

The Art of Winemaking – Tradition and Modernity

Harvesting is manual and parcel-based, with meticulous sorting on tables to select only the best clusters. Each plot is vinified separately in temperature-controlled vats to preserve the aromatic purity of each variety.

Aging in French oak barrels refines the tannins and enhances the fruit’s depth. The Château’s philosophy rests on balance—between power and elegance, heritage and innovation.

The Wines of Château Cantenac

• Château Cantenac – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru: The estate’s flagship wine, combining finesse and complexity. Bright ruby hue, aromas of ripe black fruit, undergrowth, and fine spices. Ample and silky palate with a long, harmonious finish. Blend: 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernets.
• Château Cantenac – Sélection Madame: A personal tribute by Nicole Roskam-Brunot. Dominated by Merlot, with notes of blackberry, plum, and gentle spice. Round and caressing mouthfeel. Blend: 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernets.
• Château Cantenac – Climat: An exceptional cuvée from the finest parcels. Rich, dense, and racy—Cantenac’s ultimate expression of expertise. Blend varies by vintage.
• Château Moulin de Grenet – Lussac Saint-Émilion: A sunny, generous wine from limestone soils. Ripe red fruit aromas, round and gourmand palate. Blend: 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernets.
• Château La Lauzette-Declercq – Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois: Classic Médoc style—elegant and structured. Black fruit, fine spice, and smoky notes in perfect harmony. Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc.

Saint-Émilion – A UNESCO World Heritage Terroir

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, the Saint-Émilion area is a viticultural gem shaped since Gallo-Roman times. Its limestone hills and gravel terraces produce wines of rare elegance, where Merlot reigns supreme alongside Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Through its commitment and respect for the land, Château Cantenac embodies the spirit of the appellation: authenticity, consistency, and emotion.

Château Cantenac – The Spirit of Saint-Émilion Grand Vin

Each bottle from Château Cantenac is an invitation to travel through time—to meet a family, a terroir, and an enduring passion. Under the watchful eye of the Roskam-Brunot family, the estate continues to write the story of a Grand Cru where tradition meets innovation and every vintage tells a new story.

Have you ever noticed the subtle difference between the power of a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru and the elegance of a wine born on the “Cantenac” estate ?