Wines from France


Chateau du Seuil

Château du Seuil, located 35km south east of Bordeaux, is one of the most elegant country houses on the left bank of the Garonne river. This 19th century estate overlooks the river and is in the heart of the Graves vineyards, as well as the Cérons appellation. This region is rich in remains of Gallo-Roman vineyards and has a century long tradition of producing fine wines.

In 1930, the wine of Château du Seuil was considered one the finest wines of Cérons and won numerous distinctions: a silver medal at the 1928 Paris Agricultural Show, a silver medal in Liège in 1930 and a silver medal in Antwerp in 1930. Recently many international medals have been awarded to the property's wines and one which is greatly esteemed, the Coup de Coeur from the Guide Hachette 1997 for their Château dry white wine 1995. Recently, the estates’ Premiere Cotes de Bordeaux red wine was awarded a gold medal at the Concours Mondial of Bruxelles.

Château du Seuil was acquired by a Welsh couple, Bob Watts, a businessman and lawyer from Cardiff, and his wife Sue in 1988. The château was renovated, but in keeping with the building's original character and a new winery built. Today, Chateau du Seuil is managed by Sean and Nicola Allison, following the traditions established by Nicola's parents Bob and Sue.

Sean and Nicola are involved in every aspect of making their wines from the vineyards through to the final bottle and the excellent quality of the wines is proof of their determination and attention to detail. Over the two generations a major effort has been made to improve the vineyards. In addition, the best in traditional winemaking methods has been integrated with modern technologies to develop a distinctive style which crosses between the 'old' and 'new' worlds.

The total estate of Chateau du Seuil encompasses 55 acres including 33 acres in the Graves appellation and 22 acres in the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. The vineyards are predominantly gravelly slopes, ensuring excellent drainage. The small amount of clay present between the pebbles constitutes just enough water to temper the heat of summer.

Average vine age across the whole estate is approximately 25 years and preference is given to organic cultivation techniques. Over the last 14 years a major effort has been made to increase vine density across the whole estate and reduce overall harvest yields to assist in achieving consistent ripening. Methods of crop selection prior to picking and 'triage' post harvest have been introduced, selecting only the healthiest, ripest grapes for the production of the wines.
 
There are two wines in the portfolio:
 
Chateau du Seuil - Bordeaux Blanc
 
The wine is a blend of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc made from select batches of hand and machine harvested grapes. The wine is pale yellow in color, with green highlights. The bouquet is strong and characterful, with aromas of broom flower, citrus fruit, peaches, and apricots. The wine is elegant, delicate and quite vivacious on the palate with a sustained finish.
 
Serve slightly chilled. This wine is an ideal accompaniment to white meats, fish and salads.
 
This is a wine that will develop interesting flavors with bottle aging and will keep for up to 5 years.
Vintage: 2004
Alcohol: 13.0%
UPC #: 3760120990458
 
Awards & Ratings:
* Silver Medal - International Wine Challenge Vienna October 2005
 
 
 
Chateau du Seuil - Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux
 
The wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot made from select batches of hand and machine harvested grapes. The wine has a deep, intense ruby red color, is fruity with a plum bouquet and soft integrated tannins. It is pleasing on the palate, fresh and has a complex aftertaste.
 
The wine is an ideal accompaniment to red meat dishes and cheese. Serve at room temperature.
 
Delicious to drink now but can be stored for up to 10 years.
Vintage: 2003
Alcohol: 12.5%
UPC #: 3760120990335
 
Awards & Ratings:
* Merit - Wine Style Asia Award, October 2005
* Silver Medal - International Wine Challenge Vienna, October 2005
* Gold Medal – Concours Mondial, Brussels 2006