Château Rabaud-Promis
“The Sauternes is the epitome of artisanal wine” (Thomas Dejean)
Chateau Rabaud-Promis is now a family property resulting from the division of the former Domaine de Rabaud. The vineyard was created in 1660 by Marie Peyronne Rabaud.
The Domaine de Rabaud was formed in the late seventeenth century by one of the daughters of Mr. Cazeau. Mr. Cazeau, mayor of the village of Bommes, sold Domaine de Rabaud in 1819 to Mr Deyne.
The Château Rabaud is classified 1er cru in the 1855 classification. In 1863, Henry Sigalas purchased Château Rabaud but in 1903, his only son sells most of the property to Mr Adrien Promis, thus was born the Château Rabaud-Promis.
The Chateau Rabaud-Promis is located in the hills of Sauternes, opposite the Chateau d’Yquem and overlooking the valley of Ciron and Garonne and extends over 30 hectares in one parcel.
Although the Domaine was fouded in the 17th century the building itself was built in the 18th century using the plans drawn by the famous French architect Victor Louis. This was the origin of many other buildings such as the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, the Church of Sainte-Marguerite (Paris, 11th arrondissement), and for the development of galleries and the Richelieu Room of the French Comedy at the Royal Palace (Paris).
In 1929 an LLC was created for Château Rabaud-Promis that gave control to the heirs of Adrien Promis and Mr. Fernand Ginestet. The latter makes the majority of the real estate company which was founded in 1950. Three years later was the birth of Château Rabaud-Promis as we know it today, all parts of it reunited by Raymond Louis Lanneluc. Since then Chateau Rabaud-Promis has remained in the same family thus ending 150 years of multiple inheritances and sales. Today the property is managed by Michele Lanneluc-Dejean, Philippe Dejean, her husband, their son Thomas and his wife Severine.
Focus on Thomas Dejean, an owner & winemaker of Château Rabaud-Promis
“For me it has always been obvious that I would one day succeed my father on the property. There are three children in the family, but I’m the only one who wanted to become a winemaker.
I come from a family with nine generations of winegrowers of Sauternes. Sauternes is a passon for me. It’s not fair for me to make any wine but Sauternes. I think it is the epitome of artisinal wines. Sweet wines for me are those with the strongest signature. It should include nuances of the terroir, the plot, the plantings and the personality of the winemaker.”
What makes you able to recognize the wines of Chateau Rabaud-Promis in blind tasting? What characterizes your wines?
“In a blind tasting I can tell. Our secret is that because of our terroir we always have in our wines a tangy frame (of citrus fruit) in the background. It can be tasted from the attack until the finish. It’s a nice freshness. No Sauternes should overload the mouth but be in balance with the acidity. Freshness is the basis for our aromatic world, even in older vintages.
What is important is not only balance but also desire. I have to take pleasure in it and we take pleasure in drinking it and sharing it with others.”
What is important is balance but also gourmand. I have to take pleasure in doing so and that we take pleasure in drinking, to share it.”
What is the Sauternes to you?
“It’s sharing! Abottle of Sauternes is made to be shared with friends and family. It is made to be on the table to share moments of conviviality, conversation, and joy. Sauternes has hugely aromatic. Once laid on the table the aromas multiply. It is a product entirely related to the kitchen, cuisine, whether recipes are simple or more complex.
Opening a bottle of Sauternes when hosting guests is wanting toplease others. The magical thing with sweet wine is that there are few bad food pairings. It is a wine of character from its structure but also because it is usually made by people who also have it. Because of this you can put it in front of foods that also have character like chicken curry (incredible)! It can also be enjoyed with Scallops with Lemongrass Sauce, and with many different cheeses: Roquefort, old Gouda, goat cheese. The origins and ripening of time affecting the goat cheese as well. One can also pair it with Asian cuisine or a roast chicken with golden brown skin. I’m a gourmand! There are plenty of food and wine pairings to do with Sauternes.”
Do you have any futur projects for the Château Rabaud-Promis?
“Yes. Next year we will install bee hives on the property. We want to help in the conservation of this species. It’s also a good way to gauge the health of the vineyard. This is one more step in our overall sustainable approach. We take every decision, every action is made according to the consequences for future generations.
To prepare for this project last year I spent a year with a beekeeper to learn to take care of my bees myself; to manage my hives.”
Thanks to Thomas and Séverine Dejean for their warm welcome
Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche
Château Rabaud-Promis
33210 Bommes
+33 (0)5.56.76.67.38
