Château de Chambert: A Tradition and Evolution of Uncompromising Quality

Chambert, a winery with a history deeply rooted in Cahors Malbec, has witnessed over 2000 years of winemaking excellence. Exploring the archives, one can unveil the captivating story that stretches back to the 10th century. The fame of Chambert reached its peak during the 19th century when the vineyard covered a vast expanse of 392 hectares in 1854. 

However, tragedy struck after the death of General Bataille in 1914 when his sister, who inherited the estate, allowed the vineyard to fall into neglect, letting nature reclaim its territory. Fortunately, in 1974, the entire vineyard was replanted and dedicated to organic cultivation.

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In 2007, Philippe Lejeune took over from the Delgoulet family, carrying forward the same philosophy of respecting and expressing the terroir. Since then, the entire estate, spanning 65 hectares of vineyards, has been cultivated biodynamically. Indigenous yeasts are employed for all vinifications, ensuring an authentic expression of the terroir. The commitment to organic practices led to the attainment of organic certification in 2009 by Ecocert, followed by biodynamic certification in 2012 from Demeter and Biodyvin.

To expand their pursuit of crafting complex and elegant wines, Chambert planted plots of Chardonnay and Malbec in 2010. Notably, these Malbec vines are distributed across three distinct plots, each representing different terroirs found at Chambert. These plots serve as nurseries for the future of Chambert’s winemaking endeavors.

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Situated in the highest part of Cahors, the Chambert vineyard encompasses 65 hectares, with 45 hectares surrounding the château itself. With an average elevation of 300 meters above sea level, only the finest south-east facing slopes are chosen for vine planting.

Within the vineyard area dedicated to AOC Cahors, 93% is cultivated with Malbec, locally known as Côt Noir or Auxerrois. This historic grape variety demands meticulous care and yields highly fruity and powerful wines. Merlot, an aromatic and supple varietal, accounts for 4% of the estate, while the remaining 3% is allocated to Chardonnay. It is important to note that wines produced within the AOC Cahors area must contain a mandatory minimum of 70% Malbec, with the remaining blend comprising varieties such as Merlot and Tannat.

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The vineyard practices gentle pruning during winter, respecting the sap flow and extending the lifespan of the vines. Harvest typically commences in early October and lasts for 15-20 days. Each vineyard parcel is closely monitored, and the grapes are tasted multiple times during the ripening season. Only when optimal maturity, balance of sugars, acidity, and tannins are achieved, are the grapes harvested.

Following harvest, the grapes undergo destemming and meticulous sorting to ensure that only the healthiest berries are selected for fermentation. The fermentation cellar is equipped with concrete tanks of various volumes, allowing precise winemaking for each individual parcel. Rather than imposing a specific wine style, the winemaking process at Chambert aims to reveal the distinct origins of each wine from the vineyard. Natural fermentation takes place without the addition of sugar, and delicate plunging and pump-overs extract fine tannins. After three weeks on the skins, the wines are gently pressed and transferred to another tank for settling before commencing their one-year maturation in wooden casks.

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Heritage, Luxury, and Immersive Wine Tourism

Chambert, a renowned vineyard, has been consistently enhancing its offerings to create an extraordinary experience for visitors. In 2019, they constructed a unique suspended building for immersive seminars and wine tourism. The following year, they embarked on transforming the castle into a luxurious four-star hotel and spa. In 2021, a historic barn was converted into a gastronomic restaurant, and in 2023, a captivating wine bar will open its doors.

Chambert’s unwavering commitment to quality and ambiance ensures that guests are enveloped in an enchanting journey through their rich heritage and exceptional offerings.

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