Chanel is a luxury brand that is known for its fashion and accessories. However, did you know that they also own a winery?
Yes, that’s right! In 1994, Chanel acquired the Château Rauzan-Ségla, a winery located in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, France.
The History of Château Rauzan-Ségla
Château Rauzan-Ségla has a long and rich history dating back to the 17th century. The estate was originally owned by Pierre de Mesures de Rauzan, who was also the owner of Château Margaux.
In 1661, he divided his estate between his two daughters, one of whom married into the Segla family. Thus, the estate became known as Rauzan-Ségla.
Over the years, Château Rauzan-Ségla changed hands many times until it was purchased by Chanel in 1994. Since then, Chanel has invested heavily in the winery and has brought it back to its former glory.
The Vineyards
Château Rauzan-Ségla has a total vineyard area of around 52 hectares. The vineyards are located on some of the best gravelly soils in Margaux and are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Merlot (41%), Petit Verdot (3%), and Cabernet Franc (2%). The vines have an average age of around 35 years.
Viticulture Practices
Chanel is committed to sustainable viticulture practices at Château Rauzan-Ségla. They use cover crops to improve soil health and reduce erosion. They also practice integrated pest management to minimize the use of pesticides.
The Winemaking Process
At Château Rauzan-Ségla, the winemaking process is a blend of tradition and modern technology. The grapes are hand-picked and sorted before being fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for around 18 months.
The Wines
Château Rauzan-Ségla produces two wines: the grand vin Château Rauzan-Ségla and the second wine Ségla. Both wines are highly regarded by critics and wine enthusiasts alike.
The grand vin is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. It is a full-bodied wine with notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and spice. The wine has firm tannins and can age for decades.
Ségla is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a more approachable wine than the grand vin, with softer tannins and notes of red fruit.
Conclusion
Chanel’s acquisition of Château Rauzan-Ségla has been a great success story. They have invested in the vineyards and winemaking facilities to produce some of the best wines from the Margaux appellation. If you’re a wine lover looking for something special, be sure to try Château Rauzan-Ségla or Ségla – you won’t be disappointed!