Château Gilette

History of Château Gilette

The history of Château Gilette begins in the 18th century, with the marriage of Numa Médeville and Marie Despujols, sealing the union between two renowned wine-growing families of Sauternes. This vineyard has been passed down from generation to generation, with each member of the Médeville family making a unique contribution. The modern era of the estate was shaped by René Médeville, who in the 1930s pioneered new methods of wine conservation and ageing. Working against a backdrop of war and economic crisis, he decided to leave his wines to age in vats for several decades, a technique that would transform the aromatic profile of the wines and enhance their longevity.

Today, under the direction of Julie Gonet-Médeville and her husband Xavier Gonet, the estate continues this tradition while opening up to international markets. Château Gilette has thus become a symbol of elegance and authenticity, and a worldwide reference for great Sauternes.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Gilette

Château Gilette extends over 4.5 hectares in Preignac, a privileged terroir for the cultivation of Sauternes sweet wines. The soil, composed of sand, gravel and rock, rests on a limestone subsoil ideally situated near the Garonne river, creating optimal conditions for the development of noble rot, or botrytis cinerea. This fungus, essential to Sauternes wines, concentrates the aromas and intensifies the flavours of the grapes.

The vines, composed of 90% Sémillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle, were planted for the most part in the 1930s. This selection of grape varieties reflects a carefully considered choice by the Médeville family, who sought to preserve the typicity of their terroir. The old vines, meticulously tended, bring a unique aromatic complexity to the wines of Château Gilette.

Winemaking at Château Gilette

The winemaking process at Château Gilette is straightforward and precise, but it is the ageing method in vats that truly sets the wines of this estate apart. After traditional vinification in stainless steel vats, the wines are transferred into epoxy concrete vats, a technique initiated by René Médeville and still faithfully preserved by his descendants. The choice of this type of vat prevents any oxidation and allows the wine to age away from air for a period ranging from 15 to 20 years.

Unlike the common practices of the Sauternes appellation, which favour ageing in oak barrels, the wines of Château Gilette never see wood, which preserves a purity of aromas and a remarkable freshness, even several decades after bottling. The wines thus retain a surprising youthfulness and particularly elegant aromas of candied fruits, soft spices and bitter citrus. Once the ageing in vats is complete, the wine is bottled, then kept for a further three to five years before release. This unique ageing method gives the wines of Château Gilette an extraordinary complexity and longevity, placing them among the most sought-after by Sauternes enthusiasts.

The Iconic Cuvée of Château Gilette

The principal cuvée of Château Gilette is a true work of art, a unique wine that embodies the very essence of the estate. Produced from carefully selected harvests and rigorous trie passes, this wine captures the aromatic richness and finesse of an authentic Sauternes. The long years of maturation in concrete vats lend the cuvée an exceptional character, where freshness is preserved while the aromas concentrate and grow in complexity.

The cuvée of Château Gilette is distinguished by its captivating aromas of ginger, turmeric, candied fruits and bitter orange — flavours that evolve over the years, offering an exceptional tasting experience. On the palate, the liqueur is long and balanced, supported by a perfectly measured acidity that brings incomparable harmony. Thanks to its extended ageing without oxidation, this cuvée retains a remarkable youthfulness, even several decades after its creation. Connoisseurs appreciate its silky character and subtle notes of spices and fruit, which elegantly complement the sweetness of its liqueur.

Each vintage of Château Gilette is produced in limited quantities, between 5,000 and 6,000 bottles only, and exclusively in good years. This rare and precious character of the estate's cuvées gives them a unique place in the world of Sauternes and makes them highly sought-after wines among connoisseurs and collectors.

The finest vintages of Sauternes and Barsac, two prestigious appellations of Bordeaux, include exceptional years such as 1945, 1947, 1949, 1955, 1959, and 1967, renowned 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 yielded 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 very 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 Gilette is a unique estate in the world of Sauternes, where tradition and innovation come together to create an exceptional wine. The heir to a savoir-faire passed down over more than three centuries, this family estate is today a reference for lovers of sweet wines, offering a cuvée of unrivalled finesse and complexity. With its extended ageing process in concrete vats, the cuvée of Château Gilette is distinguished by its freshness, depth and aromatic richness, symbolising the authenticity and excellence of the great Sauternes.