Château Bardins
A Pessac Leognan that grows in equilibrium with its environment
The history of the Château Bardins vineyard finds its origin in the fourteenth century at which time it was part of the property of the Bardey mill. A small building situated on the banks of the Blanche river and that remains always visible and also with a path to get there. Already known for the quality of its soil the Moulin Bardey (Bardins) was mentioned on the Pierre Belleyme Wine Map (1776). Belleyme stone was an engineer and geographer for Louis XV from whom received the instructions to draw a detailed map of the Guyenne (administrative region that today includes the departments of Dordogne, Gironde, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne ). This map is known for the accuracy of the topography of the vineyards of the Bordeaux area.
The Château Bardins in its present form was built in 1852 by the Bellarmine –Tandonnet family. In 1898 Camille de Bernardy Sigoyer, who recently returned from the island of Reunion, married Marie Vincent, owner of the Château Bardins.
At that time the property was not only for wine it also had managed polyculture. This is for one simple reason. Properties of the time were living places running almost self-sufficient and therefore it was necessary to have a windmill for water, oxen and horses for animal traction tools work the vineyards and fields to feed animals.
Today Stella Puel, the owner of the Château Bardins, with his brother and sister keep practicing polyculture in a wish to continue to meet the ecological balance on the property. This is why on 25 hectares of Bardins only 10 hectares are covered by the vine the rest being occupied by meadows, forest and marsh. This will always be part of an eco-responsible harmony between man and nature work, as the property has engaged in a SME process.
What is the EMS? (SME in French)
EMS is an Environmental Management System that integrates human issues, environmental and societal issues as well. The goal is a constant improvement of environmental performance in order to “let the earth stay the cleanest possible after our passage through her.”
The company must assess its impact on the environment, set reduction targets corresponding to its political and especially to its means. Improving the training and living conditions of the workplace are also goals as the exchange of experience / competence, the preservation of the diversity of soils and the sustainability of companies in the sector. Costs associated with this approach are to be shared (purchase of equipment, training, regulatory monitoring).
This process is enhanced by obtaining the EMS label but can also lead to certification ISO 14001.
Meeting with Stella Puel, owner of the Château Bardins
Puel Stella was born and has always lived in the property. Coming from a family of three children, she has long believed that his brother would succeed his parents. The story was that at the death of his parents, his brother, who had returned to the family roots, to the Reunion Island, had already mounted his business (a chain cellar) and did not want to take the property. It is at this time that she returned to the property and was interested in the winegrowing.
Take over a vineyard is a challenge. She wants to perpetuate the good work of her parents as she was trained as a winemaker for Blanquefort.
If you had to describe your business, your passion in a few words, which words would they be?
“Perseverance” because it must overcome the daily difficulties (bad weather, low yields, failures, irregular vintages …).
“Patience” because it takes several years after planting young vines which produce fruit that is “exploitable” a year between each harvest, winemaking six months, one year minimum breeding possibly more months / years of aging bottle….Before finally selling the precious nectar that will result in ten seconds and be drunk in thirty minutes.
“Commitment” This is a physical job where you have to be constantly available to take care of the vine and wine, at any time of the day and year. Needless to say, being a winemaker is not compatible with 35h. The financial commitment is also because a property requires a lot of investment. Investments will be profitable, depending on the kindness of time each vintage, many years later. And finally “commitment” versus “my approach to EMS.”
“Culture” Forgot to take in both directions. Culture because it is agriculture, a profession but also earthy “culture” because wine is a product that is synonymous with heritage, a rich history and traveling. One of the first products born from the transformation by a man (seen in the first books of the Bible) and one of the few who has followed in all its migrations. In fact each trip a man took with him a vine and produced wine at his new home.
The anecdote of the week:
Strolling through the garden of Château Bardins you discover an imitation of a cave Lourdes real size. It was built in 1862, shortly after the first apparition at Lourdes by the owner at the time Mrs. Chancellery. The story is that at the beginning of the 1860s, the approach of the harvest date Lady Chancellery lives get off a storm of great darkness so she sent a prayer to God, “If you save my harvest I will build a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes. ” History has it that the clouds passed by forming a ring around the Bardins vineyard.
The “plus” of this property:
Stella Puel has a great passion for culture exhibitions of artists (painters, sculptors, musicians … etc.) and they are regularly organized at the castle. Some works are exhibited in the tasting room.
You will also find other home products such as vinegar, grape juice, cherries in brandy, jam and honey.
Thanks to Stella Puel for her hospitality.
Choukroun Chicheportiche Jonathan
Château Bardins
124 avenue de Toulouse
33140 Cadaujac
Phone : 05 56 30 78 01
