Located in the Sauternes appellation and part of the Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves & Sauternes, Château Sigalas-Rabaud is one of the smallest yet most distinguished estates classified as a Premier Cru in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. The vineyard, spanning 14.25 hectares, primarily grows Sémillon (85%) and Sauvignon Blanc (14%), with a small amount of Muscadelle (1%).
The origins of Château Sigalas-Rabaud date back to the 17th century when it was initially established by the Rabaud family. In 1863, Henri de Sigalas acquired the estate, recognizing its potential and dedicating his efforts to revitalizing the vineyard. By 1895, the estate had regained its prestigious status among Bordeaux wine merchants. Over the years, the Sigalas family continued to enhance the estate, passing it down through generations.
In 2007, Laure de Lambert Compeyrot, daughter of Gérard de Lambert des Granges, took over the daily management of Château Sigalas-Rabaud. Under her leadership, the estate has seen significant innovation and modernization. For example, Laure introduced the first dry white wine of the estate with the 2009 vintage, showcasing her commitment to diversifying the château’s offerings while maintaining its high standards.
Château Sigalas-Rabaud is renowned for its meticulous winemaking process, which includes both vertical and pneumatic pressing to extract the maximum flavor from the botrytized grapes. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months, ensuring a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. In recent years, the estate has embraced sustainable viticulture practices, further enhancing the quality and environmental responsibility of its wines.
The estate produces several wines:
- Château Sigalas-Rabaud, Premier Cru Classé 1855: A premier Sauternes that reflects the estate’s dedication to quality, offering immense complexity, rich aromas, and a lengthy palate
- Lieutenant de Sigalas: The second wine of the château, that’s also a Sauternes. It has aromas of flowers and white-fleshed fruits. Its ideal as an aperitif, or to accompany poultry, cheeses and fruit desserts
- La Sémillante de Sigalas: The château’s single varietal dry white wine that’s 100% sémillon. Its a blended wine where the blend is not made between the different grape varieties but according to the qualities of the batches, which gives the wine complexity
- La Demoiselle de Sigalas (The Lady of Sigalas): A dry white wine, with Sémillon fermented in barrels to preserve fruit, floral aromas, and freshness, while Sauvignon is kept in stainless steel vats. Both are aged on fine lees and blended before bottling to balance complexity and freshness based on the vintage
- 5 Sans Soufre Ajouteré: A sweet white wine made without added sulfur, highlighting the pure essence of Sémillon with bright freshness and mineral-driven citrus notes
Plan Your Visit
Visitors to Château Sigalas-Rabaud can expect a warm and engaging experience. The estate offers a variety of wine tourism activities that includes guided tours and tastings, along with a Sigalas Tapas experience that pairs their exquisite wines with delicacies.
For those looking to extend their visit, Château Sigalas-Rabaud offers the chance to stay overnight. Guests wake up to a peaceful morning, enjoying breakfast with stunning views of the prestigious neighboring estates. The stay also includes a tour and tasting of Château Sigalas-Rabaud’s outstanding wines.
Château Sigalas-Rabaud remains a testament to the rich heritage and exceptional quality of Sauternes wines, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.
