Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg

The Neipperg family's involvement in viticulture traces back to the 12th century in the German region of Württemberg, where they still maintain ancestral vineyards. The family established its presence in Bordeaux in 1971 when Count Joseph Hubert von Neipperg purchased several properties, including Château Canon La Gaffelière and La Mondotte. His son, Stephan von Neipperg, took over management of the estates in 1985 after studying politics in Paris and oenology in Montpellier. Since then, the group has expanded its holdings to include Château d'Aiguilhe in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, acquired in 1998, as well as ventures in Bulgaria and South Africa. Today, Stephan and his son Ludovic continue to oversee the family's diverse portfolio of estates.

The winemaking approach emphasizes environmental sustainability and respect for the specific geological makeup of each site. Stephan von Neipperg began implementing organic practices in the late 1980s, eventually securing organic certification for several of the group's properties, including Château d'Aiguilhe and Canon La Gaffelière. The vineyards in the Castillon appellation are situated on a high limestone plateau with thin clay-silt topsoils, providing natural drainage and essential water regulation for the vines. Cellar work involves minimal intervention, utilizing gravity-fed systems and wooden fermentation vats to preserve the integrity of the fruit. Grapes are fermented for 25 to 30 days, and the team often performs malolactic fermentation in oak barrels to integrate flavors early in the aging process.

The producer is best known for its Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends, which are designed to express the minerality and freshness characteristic of the Right Bank. Château d'Aiguilhe is recognized as a leading producer in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, often cited for quality that rivals the classified estates of neighboring Saint Émilion. Within the broader group, the family holds prominent status with their Saint Émilion properties, two of which achieved Premier Grand Cru Classé status under Stephan's leadership. The portfolio also includes a second label, Seigneurs d'Aiguilhe, and a white wine, Le Blanc d'Aiguilhe, which is produced from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are valued for their aromatic complexity, structural balance, and long aging potential.