Definition: Château

Wine-producing estate, even if the building is not a real château (mainly in the Bordeaux region). The term château is also used elsewhere, particularly in Italy (castello), etc. This is because it fascinates consumers, for whom the aristocratic character of the word château alone should serve as a guarantee. For example, Pétrus, one of the most famous estates, located in the heart of the small Pétrus plateau in Pomerol in the Bordeaux region, is not called Château Pétrus. This small estate comprises a modest building. Its legendary reputation stems mainly from an exceptional terroir that produces an extraordinary Merlot (95% of the vineyard). In other regions, the synonyms are, with a few nuances: domaine, clos or cru. See these words.