Datasheet

Owners
Gérard et Catherine Canuel

Creation of estate
Purchase of vineyard and creation of winery in 2006

Acreage
1,08 ha (2.7 acres)

Soils
Clayey limestone on Saint Emilion hillside, sandy and clayey on extension of foothill

Age of vines
40 years

Grape varieties
75% Merlot / 25% Cabernet franc

Average density of plantation
5500 vines/ha

Grape Growing
• Pruning with two main branches allows spreading of foliage and bunches
• Thinning out of leaves and bunches ensures optimum maturity
• Manual harvest in small trays
• Environmental certification (HVE)

Winemaking
• Harvest sorted before and after de-stemming
• Vinification in small stainless steel vats dedicated to each plot, with temperature control
• Cuvaison : 3 to 4 weeks, with maceration
• Enology Counsel : Hubert de Boüard Consulting

Ageing
15 months in French oak barrels

Annual production
5000 to 6000 bottles

Marketing
France 70%, Export 30% (West Africa, USA, Hong-Kong, Singapore, Belgium, Netherlands)

A passion turned into reality

 

The dream had been maturing since we had lived in Bordeaux, in the eighties, and since our initiation to wine in a wine tasting club. Then, at the end of 2003, after more than 30 years in Oil industry, I decide to start a new life in wine. “From black gold to red gold, a new and exciting alchemy” as summarized by my cousin Hubert de Boüard, co-owner of Château Angélus, who immediately gives us his support and helpful advice.

First of all, get the best training : one year for a Master’s degree in Winemaking at Bordeaux University followed by an exciting training period at Château La Fleur de Boüard with Philippe Nunes, technical director. This preparation validates my project.

In 2005, Catherine joins me in this adventure, and we make the big leap : we leave our home near Paris, and we find and renovate an old typical house near Saint-Émilion followed by the equipment of a cellar. Next is purchasing of three plots of good vineyard in Saint-Émilion Appellation, with the financial contribution of a few passionate friends and family members.

September 2006 : our first harvest, and the first vintage of Château Adaugusta, which obtains the appellation of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru after one year of ageing in barrels. Since then, one vintage has followed the other, with the rhythm of seasons, of working together in the vineyard, and winemaking. Not to mention wine marketing which is a real occupation, with the active participation of friends and family members.

At Château Adaugusta, surrounded by vines which extend their roots deep down into the beautiful terroirs of Saint-Émilion, I have reconnected to the roots of my family branch in Bordeaux, while Catherine, the daughter of a farmer in Champagne has also revived her roots and attachment to the soil. A history of passion and roots, as one could say !