Château Sigalas Rabaud

History of Château Sigalas Rabaud

The history of Château Sigalas Rabaud dates back to the 17th century, when magistrates of the Bordeaux parliament were discovering the potential of the great terroirs on the left bank of the Garonne. It was at this time that the councillor Rabaud created a vast 60-hectare vineyard, taking advantage of the exceptional quality of the soils around the Ciron, a tributary of the Garonne. This estate quickly established itself among the greatest names in the region, on a par with prestigious properties such as Yquem and Rayne Vigneau, according to the Jullien Guide in 1832.

In 1863, Henri de Sigalas acquired the estate, whose condition had gradually deteriorated. Through his tireless work, he managed to restore the reputation of the cru. By the end of the 19th century, the property, though reduced in size, was recognised for the consistent quality of its wines. In 1903, his son Pierre Gaston de Sigalas, despite a passion for other estates, retained a 14-hectare parcel which he renamed "Sigalas Rabaud". This "jewel of Sigalas" then became the expression of a unique terroir distinguished by its regularity and homogeneity.

Over the generations, the Sigalas family has continued to watch over this viticultural gem, modernising the facilities and adopting environmentally friendly farming practices. Today, Laure de Lambert Compeyrot, at the helm of the estate since 2013, carries on this tradition with passion, seeking to combine modernity with respect for ancestral expertise. Under her leadership, Sigalas Rabaud was awarded the Haute Valeur Environnementale certification in 2016, marking its commitment to sustainable viticulture.

Terroir and Vines of Château Sigalas Rabaud

Château Sigalas Rabaud is located in the commune of Bommes, on a unique 14-hectare single-block terroir, considered one of the most homogeneous and high-quality in the Sauternais. The property rests on the famous "terrasse du Sauternais", a gentle slope facing due south. This terroir benefits from an exceptional composition, combining a clay subsoil with a siliceous-gravelly topsoil, alluvial deposits left by the Garonne approximately 600,000 years ago. This combination provides ideal water supply for the vines while ensuring perfect ripening of the grapes.

Another key element of the terroir is the proximity to the Ciron, a small river that flows through the region. Its cold waters encourage the formation of the morning mists necessary for the development of Botrytis cinerea, the famous fungus responsible for noble rot. This natural process, amplified by the specific climatic conditions of the region, is at the origin of the botrytised grapes, whose concentration of aromas and sugar gives Sauternes all its richness. 

The vineyard is planted predominantly with Sémillon (85%), the emblematic grape variety of Sauternes wines, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc (15%), which brings freshness and vivacity. To preserve the genetic quality of the plants, the massal selection method is practised, making it possible to retain the DNA of remarkable old vines.

Vine cultivation at Château Sigalas Rabaud is extremely rigorous. The human scale of the estate allows for precise plot-by-plot monitoring throughout the year, with meticulous practices such as shoot thinning, leaf removal, and spur pruning. Every intervention is carefully considered and carried out swiftly to guarantee an exceptional harvest.

Winemaking at Château Sigalas Rabaud

Winemaking at Château Sigalas Rabaud follows exacting principles, inherited from several generations of experience and expertise. The harvest is carried out exclusively by hand, in several successive passes, in order to select only the grapes affected by noble rot. This long and meticulous process extends over several months, from September to November, as not all the grapes ripen at the same time. Each berry must be carefully examined to verify its level of sugar and aromatic concentration before being picked.

Once harvested, the grapes are gently pressed using pneumatic and vertical presses to extract a pure and concentrated juice. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels, in order to preserve and enhance the aromas naturally present in the botrytised grapes. The wines are then aged for 18 months in barrels, of which 25% are new, so as to impart subtle notes of vanilla and spice without masking the fruity richness of the wine.

This long and attentive ageing process allows the wines of Sigalas Rabaud to develop their aromatic complexity, their roundness on the palate, and their immense ageing potential. The estate's wines are renowned for their silky texture, their balance between sweetness and freshness, and their remarkable length on the palate.

The cuvées of Château Sigalas Rabaud

Château Sigalas Rabaud - 1er Cru Classé 1855 (Sauternes)

The estate's flagship cuvée, Château Sigalas Rabaud, is the ultimate expression of this exceptional terroir. Assembled from at least 90% Sémillon, this great Sauternes is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. With a sugar content exceeding 120g/L, this sweet wine captivates with its golden, brilliant colour and its complex bouquet combining aromas of candied citrus, dried apricots, honey, and exotic fruits. On the palate, it reveals an unctuous texture, with a long and persistent finish, marked by a beautiful acidity that balances the sweetness of the wine.

Le Lieutenant de Sigalas

Le Lieutenant de Sigalas, the estate's second wine, comes from the same terroir as the grand cru classé, but is distinguished by a blend of Sémillon (83%) and Sauvignon Blanc (17%). With a slightly lower sugar content (110g/L), this sweet wine is characterised by floral aromas and white-fleshed fruit. Lighter and meant to be enjoyed younger than the first wine, it offers a beautiful freshness on the palate while retaining a remarkable aromatic complexity. It lends itself perfectly to original food and wine pairings, particularly as an aperitif or with poultry and fruity desserts.

The finest vintages of Sauternes and Barsac, two prestigious appellations of Bordeaux, include exceptional years such as 1945, 1947, 1949, 1955, 1959, and 1967, recognised for their finesse and complexity. Among more recent vintages, notable years include 1975, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, as well as the legendary 2001. Lovers of sweet wines will also appreciate the years 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2013. Finally, the excellent climatic conditions of recent decades have produced memorable vintages in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. These wines offer a unique aromatic richness and a remarkable ageing potential.

Discover the exceptional treasures of the Grands Crus Classés of Sauternes and Barsac, where each estate tells a unique story of expertise and excellence. The prestigious Château d'Yquem, Premier Grand Cru Supérieur, embodies the quintessence of Sauternes. Among the Premiers Grands Crus Classés, explore the subtleties of Château Climens and Château Coutet in Barsac, as well as the wonders of Château Guiraud, Clos Haut-Peyraguey, Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Château La Tour Blanche, Château Rabaud-Promis, Château de Rayne-Vigneau, Château Rieussec, Château Sigalas-Rabaud, and Château Suduiraut in Sauternes. Each estate invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of sweet wines, combining aromatic richness, finesse, and elegance, for an unforgettable sensory experience.

Château Sigalas Rabaud, with its rich history and exceptional terroir, embodies the excellence of the Premiers Crus Classés of Sauternes. Its production, marked by constant care and attention to detail, yields wines of great finesse and unique aromatic richness. Whether the grand cru classé or its second wine, every bottle of Sigalas Rabaud is a promise of pleasure for lovers of great sweet wines. With its commitment to sustainable viticulture, the estate perpetuates a family tradition while resolutely looking to the future.