A magical place since 1611
Sauternes, a unique vineyard in the world__
Located 40km south of Bordeaux, the specificity of the vineyard is created by the Garonne and the Ciron rivers. The meeting of the cold waters of the Ciron and the warmer waters of the Garonne generates from the end of the summer a morning fog providing optimal humidity. The dry weather in the afternoon dries out the grapes and concentrates the aromas.
The wines of Château d’Arche, which are characterised by their elegance, lightness and delicacy, can literally defy time.
While the production of Sauternes is limited to a maximum of 3333 bottles per hectare, which is one of the lowest productions in the world, the requirement of Château d’Arche leads it to produce around 2000 bottles on average per hectare.
” This represents only 1to 3 glasses per vine stock ”
In addition, Sauternes has beneficial virtues for health, notably thanks to the polyphenol “resveratrol” synthesized in botrytised grapes resulting from a reaction of the vine against an infection due to the fungus Botrytis Cinerea.
In 1611, Etienne d’Arche 8th century generation, eldest son of Bernard d’Arche, Knight and Lord of Arche, formed the branch of the family that settled in the Bordeaux region. Doctor regent of the University of Bordeaux and lawyer at the Parliament of Guyenne, he was the pioneer of the family to become passionate about wine profession by buying an estate.
It was his great grandson, François d’Arche, King’s Counsellor, who acquired Cru de Braneyre in 1733 to whom he gave his name as it was customary.
From 1753, he devoted himself to the management of his numerous estates but resided at Château d’Arche.
During the French Revolution, Château d’Arche was seized and sold as national property. Some time later, it was divided between several families.
In 1855, Château d’Arche, then owned by Mr. Lafaurie & Cie, was designated 2nd great growth of the Gironde’s classified white wines; its wines were already among the most famous of Sauternes at the time
In 1925, Armand Bastit-Saint-Martin, mayor of Sauternes from 1934 to 1971, succeeded his father-in-law as the head of Château d’Arche and undertook a process of reunification of the estate.
In 1996, Château d’Arche was bought and the team in place continued the work carried out for centuries to make an exceptional vineyard while respecting the environment and ancestral traditions.
Opened in 2002 Hotel du Château d’Arche, a pioneer in Sauternes in terms of wine tourism. Château d’Arche has long been a place of profound connection and exposure to unique experiences.
2019, Inauguration of a unique winery in Sauternes, an innovative and “ecoresponsible” project, which in addition to improving the quality of our wines, allows us to work and respects nature as well as the environment, which is the very source of our profession. It is technically operational but also serves as a reception area facilitating meetings and hospitality events. The building is equipped with storage facilities, a shop and offers informational tours.
