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Domaine de Carbonnieu
Domaine de Carbonnieu, a Sauternes estate in Bommes since 1782: botrytised sémillon, direct from the estate...
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Domaine Charrier-Carbonnieu - a Sauternes of emotion, shaped by family, terroir and time
Domaine Charrier-Carbonnieu
A family Sauternes estate cultivated since 1782, more than 20 ha across Bommes and Preignac. Semillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle and noble rot; three sweet cuvees, direct from the estate.
Forty kilometres south of Bordeaux, in the heart of the prestigious Sauternes vineyard, Domaine Charrier-Carbonnieu has cultivated since 1782 an art of winemaking built on patience, transmission and precision. Surrounded by renowned grands crus classes, this family-owned estate now covers more than 20 hectares across Bommes and Preignac, the cradle of the world's greatest sweet wines.
Each bottle tells a story: that of a rare terroir, a unique microclimate and a family that has proudly carried the name Carbonnieu for over two centuries.
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A family heritage since 1782
Everything began with a parcel named Carbonnieu, which later gave its name to the estate. Bottling at the property started in 1929 thanks to Daniel Courbin, great-grandfather of Christophe and Alexis Charrier, with an exceptional vintage that would shape the family identity. In 1980, Alain Charrier expanded the estate and transformed the Cru Carbonnieu into Domaine de Carbonnieu before passing the reins to his two sons in 2014.
The domaine continued to evolve: in 2007 came Reflets de Carbonnieu, a more accessible second wine; in 2020, the estate officially adopted the name Domaine Charrier-Carbonnieu, in homage to the family's long stewardship. Today, each member plays a key role: Christophe tends the vineyard and crafts the wines in the cellar, Alexis carries the domaine's voice through communication and sales, and Marie-Josephe warmly welcomes visitors and wine lovers. The estate is far more than a vineyard: it is a living family story, passed on with honesty and pride.
A terroir of gravel, clay and sand for great sweet wines
The vineyard is composed of 90 parcels forming a true mosaic: gravel, clay and sandy soils, ideal for the iconic Sauternes grape varieties. Semillon (90%), the heart of the sweet wine, velvety, rich and aromatic; Sauvignon (7%) for freshness and tension; Muscadelle (3%) for floral and delicate notes.
Each autumn, the microclimate of Bommes performs its magic: the morning mists created by the meeting of the Garonne and Ciron rivers envelop the vineyard and allow the famous Botrytis Cinerea to develop, naturally concentrating sugars and aromas in the berries. The harvest is performed entirely by hand, with multiple selective passes to pick only perfectly botrytised grapes. Gentle pressings, controlled fermentations and precise ageing then shape wines that are rich, balanced and luminous. A Sauternes from the domaine is never heavy: it surprises with its freshness, length and intricate aromatic complexity.
Our wines: three cuvees, three expressions of Sauternes
The domaine offers a range designed to accompany every moment of tasting, from spontaneous pleasure to exceptional occasions.
Reflets de notre Ciron
AOC Sauternes - sweet wine, tank-aged
A light, fresh and approachable Sauternes with beautiful natural acidity. Aged in tank, it delivers intense aromas, perfect for aperitifs or gentle discovery. A Sauternes for every moment.
Sélection Prestige
AOC Sauternes - sweet wine, one year in barrel (75 cl, 37.5 cl, magnum)
A generous and aromatic cuvee, with sweetness perfectly balanced by a touch of acidity. Aged one year in barrels, it offers length, elegance and depth.
Cuvée Courbin
AOC Sauternes - sweet wine, aged in new oak barrels
A homage to Daniel Courbin, who began bottling at the estate in 1929. A refined, structured great sweet wine, aged mainly in new oak barrels: ready to drink now but built for long ageing.
Three sweet cuvees, direct from the estate
The Charrier-Carbonnieu signature: freshness, precision and tradition
The domaine harmoniously blends heritage and modernity through precise ageing, rigorous selection in the vineyard, respectful and terroir-driven viticulture, and a constant search for balance between richness and freshness. These demanding choices give birth to luminous, digestible sweet wines, perfect with salty dishes, sweet pairings, spicy cuisine, gourmet aperitifs... and all the moments you wish to elevate.
Which wine from Domaine Charrier-Carbonnieu should you choose to discover the different expressions of Sauternes, from the freshest to the most powerful?
Your questions about Domaine Charrier-Carbonnieu
Where is Domaine Charrier-Carbonnieu located?
About forty kilometres south of Bordeaux, in the heart of the Sauternes vineyard, across the villages of Bommes and Preignac.
How long has the estate existed?
The estate has cultivated an art of winemaking since 1782; the family has proudly carried the name Carbonnieu for over two centuries.
Who runs the domaine today?
Three family members: Christophe tends the vineyard and crafts the wines in the cellar, Alexis carries the domaine's voice (communication and sales) and Marie-Josephe warmly welcomes visitors and wine lovers.
What is the story behind the name Charrier-Carbonnieu?
Everything began with a parcel named Carbonnieu. Bottling at the property started in 1929 thanks to Daniel Courbin; in 1980, Alain Charrier expanded the estate (Domaine de Carbonnieu) before passing the reins to his sons in 2014, and in 2020 the estate adopted the name Charrier-Carbonnieu.
How big is the vineyard?
More than 20 hectares spread over 90 parcels, a true mosaic of gravel, clay and sandy soils.
Which grapes make up the estate?
Semillon (90%), the heart of the sweet wine, velvety and aromatic; Sauvignon (7%) for freshness and tension; Muscadelle (3%) for floral, delicate notes.
What is Botrytis Cinerea in Sauternes?
Each autumn, the morning mists created by the meeting of the Garonne and Ciron rivers envelop the vineyard and allow Botrytis Cinerea (noble rot) to develop, naturally concentrating sugars and aromas in the berries.
How is the harvest carried out?
Entirely by hand, with multiple selective passes to pick only perfectly botrytised grapes.
What are the estate's cuvees?
Three cuvees: Reflets de notre Ciron (light and fresh, tank-aged), Selection Prestige (one year in barrel) and Cuvee Courbin (aged in new oak barrels).
What is the Cuvee Courbin?
A homage to Daniel Courbin, who began bottling at the estate in 1929: a refined, structured great sweet wine, aged mainly in new oak barrels, ready to drink now but built for long ageing.
Which dishes to enjoy with a Sauternes from the estate?
With salty dishes, sweet pairings, spicy cuisine, gourmet aperitifs... and all the moments you wish to elevate; a luminous, digestible Sauternes, never heavy.
Where can you buy the wines of Domaine Charrier-Carbonnieu directly?
You can find the available cuvees here, in short circuit, directly from the estate, carefully shipped across France and Europe. The selection changes with the vintages.
Direct from the estate, in Bommes and Preignac
Domaine Charrier-Carbonnieu - A family Sauternes estate since 1782, more than 20 ha across Bommes and Preignac; Semillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle.
Reflets de notre Ciron, Sélection Prestige and Cuvée Courbin - great Sauternes sweet wines