Château Thieuley
シャトー・ティウレイ
Pioneer of Bordeaux's Entre-Deux-Mers renaissance — proving that Bordeaux white can be both genuinely exciting and superbly affordable.
Château Thieuley is a pioneering family estate located in La Sauve-Majeure, at the heart of Bordeaux's Entre-Deux-Mers region. The property was purchased in 1949 by André Courselle and transformed into an 80-hectare benchmark under the direction of his son Francis Courselle — an agricultural engineer and oenology professor at Bordeaux University who was among the first winemakers to demonstrate that Bordeaux could produce genuinely exciting dry white wines. His daughters Sylvie (business and commercial) and Marie (winemaking and vineyard management), both engineers and oenologists, took over in 2004 and have continued the estate's commitment to freshness, terroir expression, and environmental responsibility. The estate holds Terra Vitis certification (since 2017), Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) status (since 2019), and Bee Friendly certification — a comprehensive commitment to biodiversity across all 80 hectares. The estate encompasses three properties: the flagship Château Thieuley, Château Saint-Genès for export markets, and Clos Sainte-Anne, a 5-hectare parcel of gravelly soil in Capian. White wines are made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Sauvignon Gris; reds from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The prestige cuvée Réserve Francis Courselle, produced in both white and red versions, has earned praise from critics including James Suckling.
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Who Is This For?
For wine lovers who want an exciting, food-friendly Bordeaux white without the grand cru price tag — or a smooth, fruit-forward Bordeaux red for everyday enjoyment. Especially well-suited to fans of seafood, Japanese cuisine, and those exploring Bordeaux beyond the famous châteaux.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Château Thieuley's white wines stand out in Bordeaux?
- Francis Courselle was one of the very first producers in Bordeaux to demonstrate that Entre-Deux-Mers could make dry white wines people genuinely want to drink. Drawing on his academic background as a viticulture professor, he pioneered a style that combines Sauvignon Blanc's bright freshness with Sémillon's textural richness — a benchmark that still defines the appellation today.
- Who currently runs Château Thieuley?
- Since 2004, the estate has been managed by sisters Sylvie Courselle (business and commercial affairs) and Marie Courselle (winemaking and vineyard management), both engineers and oenologists. They are the granddaughters of founder André Courselle, continuing a family tradition spanning three generations.
- What sustainability certifications does Château Thieuley hold?
- The estate achieved Terra Vitis certification in 2017, Haute Valeur Environnementale (High Environmental Value, HVE) status in 2019, and holds Bee Friendly certification. These three labels together reflect a deep and comprehensive commitment to biodiversity and sustainable viticulture across all 80 hectares.
- What is the Réserve Francis Courselle cuvée?
- Réserve Francis Courselle is the estate's prestige cuvée, produced in both white and red versions and named in honour of the man who transformed the estate. The 2022 red received high critical praise — James Suckling described it as 'serious with a crunchy berry character' — and represents the finest expression of Bordeaux Supérieur the estate has to offer.
- Which grape varieties are grown, and how is the estate organised?
- White varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Sauvignon Gris; red varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The 80-hectare estate spans three properties: the flagship Château Thieuley, Château Saint-Genès (focused on export markets), and Clos Sainte-Anne — a prized 5-hectare parcel of gravelly soil in Capian that produces the estate's most characterful wines.