Château de Respide may have just gotten to the Bay but its history dates way back. Records show that the vineyards have been around since 1630 – making it one of the oldest ones in the Graves region, a 40-minute car drive south of Bordeaux. Fast forward to 2021: the Chatin Family, Amélie, Pierre-Edouard and their 3 kids, Gabriel, Alix and Joséphine, get on board to continue writing the (hi)story of the estate.
“Taking over a vineyard is more than just a professional project; it’s a dream and a passion. Producing wine means connecting with centuries of history, culture, and traditions. What a privilege!“—Amélie and Pierre-Edouard Chatin.
A meaningful family project. Amélie, with a background in agronomy and oenology followed by nine years at Champagne Ruinart, and Pierre-Edouard, with a career in banking and agriculture in Uruguay, transformed their years in South America—where their children were born and raised—into a vision for a family and life project: taking over a vineyard.
This dream became a reality in 2021 when they acquired Respide and returned to live in France, inspired by the Southern Cross constellation, a symbol of their vineyard, their journey, and their family of five.
Château de Respide vineyards are located on “Graves” terroir, “Las gravas de Bordeu”, or literally “the Bordeaux gravels”; alluvial stones carried by the Garonne river and deposited on its banks millions of years ago. Does it matter, you may ask? YES! Alluvial soils, a mix of sand, clay, silt and gravel, are often praised by winemakers as perfection, both for the grapes’ harvest and the wine taste.
Blessed by unique soils, Château de Respide focuses on preserving it with traditional viticulture practices, such as inter-row floor management to increase natural fertilization and limit erosion, as well as wagtail nesting boxes and beehives to promote biodiversity. Vegetation cover and other innovative projects should pave the way for the Château de Respide to achieve net zero emissions by 2034. Wines are certified High Environmental Value (HVE), and “Bordeaux Cultivons Demain”, both promoting fair working conditions and nature-based practices. As of November 2024, only 8.5% of all the Bordeaux vineyards featured the latter.
“At Respide, we immediately decided to embrace a holistic and virtuous approach to winemaking, both environmentally and socially. If this wine is good for the person enjoying it, it must also be good for those who produce it, for the environment, and for everyone who comes into contact with it” explains Pierre-Edouard Chatin.
With an inspiring mission and family story, irresistible taste, and an affordable price, Château de Respide wines are a must-have for your holiday table—don’t wait to indulge!
- Grapes : Sauvignon blanc 60%, Sémillon 40%,
- Notes: White, alkaline and dry with some light fruits notes
- Pairings: A great choice to start your meal (or pre-dinner aperitif), Respide white wine pairs beautifully with dips like hummus, labneh, or guacamole. It also complements a light appetizer salad or seafood, enhancing their flavors with its crisp taste.
- Price (K&L): $12.99
- Grapes : 75% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot.
- Notes: round and subtle fruity notes.
- Pairings: Respide red wine pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, red meat, or poultry, and its rich notes also make it an ideal match for dark chocolate. (Dandelion 85% Costa Esmeralda)
- Price (K&L): $15.99
More information about Chateau Respide’s website and Instagram.
Article published in partnership with Château de Respide
