FOCUS ON: CHATEAU ANGLUDET
08/11/2024
Tucked away in the prestigious Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, Château Angludet is a charming estate that has quietly built a reputation for producing some of the region's most elegant and beautifully crafted wines. Angludet has been owned by the Sichel family since 1961 when it was acquired by Peter and Diana Sichel. It has been a firm favourite of UK wine lovers ever since. It's certainly a favourite with us! In recent years the wine has improved even further under the guidance of Ben Sichel who now farms Angludet using Biodynamic principals.
If you're as into Bordeaux wines as we are, or simply curious about what makes this region so special, then read on, as Château Angludet is certainly worth a closer look.
Château Angludet’s history stretches back to the 18th century, but it is the modern era that has seen the estate truly shine. Situated in the Margaux AOC on the Left Bank, the estate is right at the heart of one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated wine-growing regions. While it may not be a classified growth, Château Angludet’s wines have steadily earned respect for their quality and consistency, securing the estate a loyal following over the years. The estate has passed through various hands over the centuries, but it was in the 1980s when it was acquired by the Foucard family that the estate began its transformation into the respected producer it is today. Under their stewardship, Château Angludet’s focus on quality, sustainability, and precision winemaking has positioned it as a standout within Margaux and beyond.
Their success is no accident. The estate’s terroir plays a key role in the quality of its wines. With about 32 ha of vines, the estate’s vineyards benefit from the region’s slightly warmer gravel soils, mixed with clay and limestone, which provide the perfect conditions for the grapes to thrive. This combination of well-drained soils and deep-rooted vines results in wines with exceptional structure and complexity. The vineyards are planted with the classic Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The specific blend varies with each vintage, but what is always consistent is the estate’s commitment to crafting wines that reflect Margaux’s signature elegance. The climate, influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, ensures the grapes ripen evenly, leading to wines that balance both fruit concentration and finesse.
Winemaking: at Château Angludet, the philosophy is all about a balance between tradition and innovation. The estate has long been committed to sustainable farming practices, and more recently, they’ve embraced organic viticulture. Not easy in Bordeaux, and a nod to their respect for the land and the environment. Grapes are carefully hand-harvested to ensure only the best fruit makes its way into the wine. After harvest, the fruit is sorted meticulously before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wines then mature in French oak barrels, a process that adds complexity and structure without overpowering the wine’s natural fruit characteristics. While the estate respects Bordeaux’s winemaking traditions, Château Angludet also embraces modern techniques that allow them to produce wines that are both refined and expressive of their terroir. It’s this careful, thoughtful approach that has earned Angludet its place among the region’s finest producers.
So, what does a glass of Château Angludet taste like? Elegant, balanced, and full of character. The flagship wine, labelled Château Angludet, typically has a blend in which (as per the norm on the Left Bank) Cabernet Sauvignon is dominant, accompanied by Merlot and a little bit of Petit Verdot. On the nose, expect aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, and subtle hints of violet, all backed by a touch of cedar and earthy spice. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with fine, silky tannins and a long, persistent finish. It’s structured yet approachable, making it enjoyable in its youth but also capable of ageing beautifully. A well-cellared bottle can develop additional complexity over the years, making Château Angludet a great choice for collectors and those who enjoy a wine with the potential to evolve. For a slightly earlier-drinking option, the estate’s second wine, La Réserve d’Angludet, offers a more fruit-forward expression of the Margaux terroir. While it’s typically made from younger vines, it still embodies the estate’s signature elegance, with ripe fruit flavours and a smooth, inviting texture that’s perfect for enjoying right away.
While it might not carry the same name recognition as Bordeaux’s elite First Growths, Château Angludet represents the future of the region, balancing tradition with innovation. The estate has stayed true to its roots while embracing sustainable practices, ensuring that each bottle reflects not only the quality of the land but the care and passion of the family behind it. In an era where many Bordeaux producers are revisiting their methods to stay relevant, Angludet is leading the way with wines that are accessible, yet still true to the region’s renowned craftsmanship. It may not have the widespread fame of some of its neighbours, but that’s part of its charm. With a rich history, a commitment to sustainability, and a dedication to quality, this estate produces wines that embody the best of Margaux—elegant, complex, and full of life.
