Château Saint-Georges
A very historically-rich property of Saint-Georges Saint-Emilion
Château Saint-Georges is the largest family that owned AOC Saint-Georges Saint-Emilion. The date of its construction is unknown. However, archaeological excavations conducted in 1843 brought to light the remains that testify the former presence of the rich Gallo-Roman villa of Ausonne (the famous poet) plain which at the time was already surrounded by vineyards. The earliest evidence of the existence of the Château Saint-Georges is a written, dated 1602 formalizing the sale of the estate by King Henry IV to John Barbot, a member of the Parliament of Bordeaux, Lord and Baron of Saint-Georges. 
In 1660 , thanks to the play of estates Château Saint-Georges fell to the Marquis Rabar, President treasurers of France and illustrious military chief of the royal army . In 1770 her daughter, César Rabar, Baron de Saint-Georges decided to modernize the castle which was then a feudal fortress in neo-classical mansion. Why he commissioned architect Victor Louis already known for having built the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, the construction of the Castle.
From the old feudal fortress Victor Louis kept only four towers marking the cardinal points. Construction taking time the castle was not completed until after the French Revolution. Event that not only had an effect on ownership but also on the architecture including the stones of the coats of arms which remained virgin with the seigneurial emblem.
Back to our story. Following the French Revolution the property was seized as national property in an auction in Bordeaux. It passed from hand to hand until 1891 when Petrus Desbois, fashion designer of the Prince of Russia, acquired the Château Saint-Georges. He conducted a restoration policy and planting the vineyard which allowed the property to become 100 % wine.
Today the property is still in the hands of the Desbois family. For the anecdote from Petrus Desbois and this in every generation the name “Petrus” is given to a boy in the family.
Château Saint-Georges is currently owned by seven members of the Desbois family. They each provide management alternately .
For architecture lovers I recommend visiting this property. Between Chinese lions, pines sign of Protestantism, the fire pots symbol of power / wealth, the same as that of Château Margaux and other niceties you must spend a delightful time steps.
Where does the name of Château Saint-Georges come from?
The logo and the name of the property are references to famous knight St. Georges. The story takes place between the middle of the 3rd and 4th century. George was an officer in the Roman army who once crossed a village terrorized by a dragon. The beast devoured daily herds and young people. Upon arrival already almost all young people in the village had already been given as food to the monster. All except the king’s daughter who is the last girl of the city should be given to the dragon. Georges a Knight by “job” but also by heart then began the battle against the dragon and defeated him with the help of God. Thus he saved the princess.
This story is often repeated in Christian history to symbolize the victory of faith in God over evil. This battle is also illustrated on one of the walls of the tasting room of the castle.
Another legend tells us that St. Georges appeared to King Richard the Lionheart during the crusade and thus through its support the British army experienced a miraculous victory . It is thanks to this story than the name of “St. Georges” is very popular in England .
A question for Emeline Martigny, communications manager of the property : What permit to recognize the Château Saint-Georges during a blind tasting ?
“Our wine is recognizable for its power, roundness in the mouth but also because there is little acidity which is a sign of maturity . A wine tasting also reveals a great length , freshness , full mouth speaking notes of black fruits and spices. Our wines are long guard , that is to say that in general they are at optimum maturity after 6 years of age.” (Emeline Martigny)
Side anecdote :
The grandmother of the current owners of the castle was in charge of it during the 2nd World War. She was a woman with a strong character , strong personality who was very attached to the property so that when the German invasion, when the German army came to the Château Saint-Georges to take possession of the place it seized the weapon of a soldier and shot to frighten them. The ploy worked as the German Army never again be represented at the property.
Thanks to Emeline Martigny for her hospitality.
Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche
Château Saint-Georges
33570 Montagne
+33 (0)5 57 74 62 11
