Chateau de Ricaud winery
Château de Ricaud is located in the heart of the Cadillac and Loupiac regions, southeast of Bordeaux, and is recognized for its rich heritage and commitment to quality winemaking. The estate’s origins date back to the 15th century, but its current château, an elegant neo-Gothic building, was constructed in the 1860s. Surrounded by a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and diverse terroirs, Château de Ricaud benefits from an exceptional microclimate, influenced by the nearby Garonne River, which is ideal for producing both red and sweet white wines.
The vineyard spans 89 hectares, with 63 hectares dedicated to red varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, and 26 hectares planted to white grapes, primarily Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. The diversity of soils, ranging from gravel and clay-limestone to sandy-clay, allows for the cultivation of grapes with distinct character and complexity. The estate places a strong emphasis on sustainable viticulture, employing environmentally conscious practices to preserve the natural balance of the vineyard and enhance the expression of each terroir.
Château de Ricaud produces several wines across different appellations, including Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, Loupiac, and Bordeaux. The red wines are crafted with a focus on elegance, structure, and freshness, showcasing ripe fruit, supple tannins, and a refined balance. The sweet white wines, particularly those from the Loupiac appellation, are celebrated for their aromatic richness, delicate sweetness, and vibrant acidity, achieved through careful harvesting of botrytized grapes.
Winemaking at Château de Ricaud combines traditional expertise with modern innovation. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, often by hand for the sweet wines, and vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats or oak barrels, depending on the cuvée. The red wines undergo gentle extraction to preserve fruit purity and structure, followed by aging in French oak barrels to enhance complexity. For the sweet wines, meticulous selection and gentle pressing of the grapes ensure the preservation of aromatic intensity and freshness.
Since joining the Dourthe group in 2010, Château de Ricaud has benefited from significant investment in both the vineyard and the winery. This partnership has facilitated the implementation of rigorous quality standards, advanced viticultural techniques, and a philosophy of continuous improvement. The estate’s team, led by passionate professionals, is dedicated to producing wines that reflect the unique identity of Château de Ricaud and the richness of its terroirs.
Visitors to Château de Ricaud can experience the estate’s charm and hospitality through guided tours and tastings. The château itself, with its distinctive architecture and lush surroundings, provides a memorable setting for discovering the wines and learning about the estate’s history and winemaking philosophy. Château de Ricaud stands as a testament to the harmony between tradition and innovation, offering wines that capture the essence of Bordeaux’s Cadillac and Loupiac regions.