Château d'Aiguilhe

Another excellent property owned by Stephan von Neipperg that has a long history. Its first records go back to the 12th century where it served as a maison forte to a feudal lord as well as a commandery for the Knights Templar (but local legend also states that it had also once housed a Gallo-Roman villa). It was named after l'aiguille, meaning “needle” as it was built on a rocky rise that rose out of the soil. Over a long, tumultuous past, its allegiance was constantly torn between the French and English over the many years of war. Once calm came back to the region, the château began developing export markets for its wines and many were shipped to northern Europe. The original château was destroyed in the 20th century from a fire but various outbuildings still decorate some of the hillsides. Stephan von Neipperg acquired the estate in December 1998 and though the vineyards lie in the Côtes de Castillon, they benefit from the same care as Canon La Gaffelière or La Mondotte.