Angludet, Chateau
Summary
Château Angludet is a 32-hectare Cru Bourgeois estate in Margaux operated by the Sichel family since 1961, producing around 120,000 bottles annually from Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant vineyards planted on deep gravel soils with clay and limestone. Despite quality that would have merited inclusion in the 1855 classification, this hidden gem delivers wines that consistently exceed its official designation through sustainable farming practices, hand-harvesting, and careful oak aging that captures the elegant, aromatic character of fine Margaux.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Angludet stands as one of the oldest wine estates in the Médoc, with records dating back to 1150. The property takes its name from the ancient hamlet of Angludet, situated in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux. After changing hands through several families over centuries, Château Angludet was acquired by Peter Sichel in 1961, marking the beginning of the Sichel family's stewardship that continues to the present day.
The Sichel family, with deep roots in the Bordeaux wine trade dating back to 1883, undertook significant restoration work following their acquisition. When Peter Sichel purchased the property, the vineyards and facilities required substantial rehabilitation after years of neglect. Under his direction, the estate was meticulously restored, with vineyards replanted and winemaking facilities modernized.
Today, the estate is managed by Benjamin Sichel, who serves as the director and winemaker, continuing the family tradition of hands-on involvement. The Sichel family's commitment was particularly evident following a devastating frost in 1991 that destroyed much of the vineyard, and again after a tornado damaged the property in 1999, demonstrating their long-term dedication to the estate's preservation and development.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Angludet encompasses 32 hectares of vineyards in the Margaux appellation, with 30 hectares currently under vine. The vineyard composition reflects the classic Bordeaux left bank tradition, with approximately 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and 13% Petit Verdot.
The vineyards benefit from their location on a gravel plateau typical of the Margaux appellation. This terroir features deep gravel soils with underlying clay and limestone, providing excellent drainage and heat retention that particularly favors Cabernet Sauvignon. The average age of the vines is 25 years, with some parcels containing older plantings.
The estate produces two main wines: Château Angludet, its primary offering classified as Cru Bourgeois, and Réserve d'Angludet, its second wine. Annual production averages around 120,000 bottles. Despite qualifying for inclusion in the 1855 classification, Château Angludet was not classified, reportedly because the then-owner declined to submit samples, though it is widely recognized for delivering quality that often exceeds its Cru Bourgeois designation.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking philosophy at Château Angludet centers on expressing the distinctive character of its Margaux terroir while maintaining consistency and quality. Harvest is conducted by hand, with careful sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery to ensure only optimal fruit enters production.
In the cellar, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise management of the extraction process. The estate employs a traditional approach to vinification, with malolactic fermentation occurring in barrel for the primary wine. Aging typically spans 12 months in French oak barrels, with approximately 40% new oak for the grand vin.
The Sichel family has implemented sustainable farming practices throughout the vineyard, focusing on reduced chemical interventions and greater respect for the natural environment. Vineyard management includes green harvesting when necessary to control yields and ensure concentration, along with careful canopy management to achieve optimal ripeness.
The estate maintains relatively low yields, averaging around 45 hectoliters per hectare, to ensure concentration and quality. This disciplined approach to viticulture and winemaking reflects the Sichel family's commitment to producing wines that faithfully represent the distinctive characteristics of their Margaux terroir.