Chateau Castegens’ origins date back to the early 15th century, not long before the famous battle of Castillon took place in 1453, ending the Hundred-Years war between the English and the French. With the invention of printing by Gutenberg in Germany and the fall of Constantinople in Turkey, most historians consider 1453 to mark the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance. Highlighting the property’s historical significance, each summer the estate plays host to the re-enactment of this battle; an epic spectacle with 600 actors and cavaliers.
Château Castegens and its vineyard have been in the same family for 160 years. Curator of the tradition of excellence within the appellation, owner Baron Jean-Louis de Fontenay has been continuously elected by his peers the Grand Master of the “Confrérie des Chevaliers des Côtes de Castillon” since 1994.
The Château overlooks the Dordogne valley above the village of Castillon-la-Bataille, adjacent to its prestigious neighbor Saint Emilion, only 8 km away. The vineyards are planted on the upper part of predominantly south facing slopes which provide excellent natural drainage and optimum exposure to the sun. There are 70 acres under vine, producing 80% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Vines are 30 years old on average; the soil is clay and limestone, with an emergence of flint. The winemaker is Jean de Boigne.
