Château Maison Blanche is an estate in Montagne-Saint-Émilion that dates back to 1875.It is currently owned by the Despagne-Rapin family and is considered one of the pioneers of biodynamics in Bordeaux—it has held Demeter certification since 2013.The vineyards cover approximately 32 hectares of old Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines, growing on the clay-limestone soils typical of the Right Bank.The wines are produced through spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast, with minimal intervention and a long aging period in barrels.Château Maison Blanche’s flagship label produces full-bodied, elegant, and long-aging red wines that combine the power of Merlot with the finesse of Cabernet Franc.One interesting item in the lineup is “Eleanor of Guienne,” named in honor of Eleanor of Aquitaine and released as a Vin de France outside the appellation classification.This wine is made primarily from Cabernet Franc in a light, clairet-style blend that combines the characteristics of rosé and red wine, offering juicy freshness and aromas of cherries and raspberries.The estate thus combines the classic style of Saint-Émilion with a willingness to experiment and a modern approach to winemaking.
“Eleanor of Guienne, VDF, Rosé ” from Château Maison Blanche is an unconventional wine produced outside the Bordeaux appellation classification, fully reflecting the estate’s free-spirited, experimental character.The producer primarily uses Cabernet Franc here, sometimes supplemented with Merlot, and vinifies it in a style that combines the characteristics of a light clairet and a classic rosé.Fermentation takes place with wild yeast, and 80% of the wine comes from a gentle pressing similar to that used in rosé production, while the remainder is produced by lightly pressing red grapes, resulting in a more intense color than that of a classic Bordeaux rosé.