ProducerSaint-Émilion
Château Valandraud
シャトー・ヴァランドロー
The legendary pioneer of Saint-Émilion garage wines.
Château Valandraud is a world-renowned Bordeaux wine estate in Saint-Émilion. Founded in 1991 by Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud, it pioneered the 'garage wine' (vin de garage) movement. Starting from a tiny 0.6-hectare plot, the estate achieved rapid critical acclaim for its opulent, highly concentrated wines. In 2012, it was promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé B, a status maintained in 2022. Today, it is celebrated for its rich Merlot, structured Cabernet Franc, and exceptional aging potential.
www.thunevin.com ↗Cuvées
No cuvées registered yet.
Who Is This For?
Perfect for collectors and connoisseurs seeking opulent, modern-styled Bordeaux with exceptional depth and aging potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the history behind Château Valandraud's 'garage wine' status?
- Château Valandraud was founded in 1991 in a small garage with limited equipment, pioneering the 'garage wine' movement by producing highly concentrated, micro-cuvée wines that challenged traditional Bordeaux standards.
- What is the official classification of Château Valandraud?
- Château Valandraud is classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé B in the Saint-Émilion wine classification, a status achieved in 2012 and confirmed in 2022.
- What are the main grape varieties used in Château Valandraud?
- The red wine is predominantly made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, while the estate also produces highly acclaimed white wines from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
- What was the 'L'Interdit de Valandraud' controversy?
- In the 2000 vintage, the estate covered its vines with plastic sheets to protect them from rain, which violated INAO regulations and forced them to declassify the wine to a basic Table Wine, though it still sold at premium prices.