Winery Overview
« Pierre » from the word «Pierrail » means « stone ». Château Pierrail is located on the East side of Bordeaux situated on superb clay and limestone soil, overlooking a valley in which the river Fonchotte meanders through. This small river rises in the estate and flows into a 7 acre/3 hectare lake in a woodland in the middle of the property. This fine château of classic design has a facade flanked by two towers. It was built in the 17th century by the Segur family on the site of an older château from the Middle Ages. From 1782, for more than a century, the property was owned by the Barons de Brianson, and large portraits of the family as cavaliers are hung in the main salon of the château. Marie Marguerite de Brianson remains an outstanding figure of the Château's history. In April 1832, she was hostess to the Duchess de Berry, widow of the Duc de Berry (son of Charles X, heir to the throne), who was disguised as a man and traveling from the Provence to the Vendée. The Duchess wanted to raise the population against Louis-Philippe, so she could put her son the "Duc de Bordeaux", rightful heir, on the throne. From 1887, the estate suffered successive setbacks until 1970 when the Demonchaux Family arrived. Jacques Demonchaux began to restore the property to its former glory. He was joined by his wife, Alice Demonchaux, and their son, Aurelien Demonchaux. The family still manages the winery today, and Alice is responsible for the commercialization of Château Pierrail wines with a network of partners worldwide. Aurélien and his son Matthieu are the winemakers and assure the development and quality of the wines. The Demonchaux are not only winemakers they have found a balance in their environment creating a beautiful landscape with vineyards, orchards, a flock of sheep, and a « remarkable » labeled French garden gathering a collection of hydrangeas, sculptures, and boxwood topiaries. This mixed farming approach creates a small ecosystem around the estate covering 600 acres, which is essential for producing the best wine in a sustainable environment. The estate of 617 acres/250 hectares includes 222 acres/90 hectares of vines planted on the best coteaux with southeast exposure. Red grapes account for 185 acres/75 hectares of vines. Merlot is the dominant red variety and brings body, fullness, and suppleness to the wines. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are also planted. The white grapes make up around 37 acres/15 hectares and are primarily planted with Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris. The Domaine is HVE3 Certified Sustainable.