Chasse-Spleen, Chateau
Summary
Château Chasse-Spleen is a leading Moulis-en-Médoc estate owned by the Merlaut-Villars family, spanning 98 hectares of deep Garonne gravel soils where they produce predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines from 30-year-old vines planted at high density. Their traditional approach combines plot-by-plot harvesting with temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats, followed by 12-18 months aging in French oak barrels, maintaining the estate's classic Médoc character that earned it Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel status.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Chasse-Spleen stands as one of the leading estates in the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux. The estate's history dates back to 1720, though it was not until the early 19th century that it gained its distinctive name. The property was divided from the larger Château Grand-Poujeaux in 1822, and subsequently acquired by the Castaing family. The estate's unusual name—which translates to "chase away melancholy"—has multiple origin stories, with the most commonly cited being a visit by poet Lord Byron, who reportedly used the phrase to describe the uplifting quality of the wine.
The Château changed hands several times throughout its history, passing from the Castaing family to the Lahary family in the late 19th century. A significant turning point came in 1976 when the Merlaut family, established Bordeaux négociants, acquired the estate. Today, Château Chasse-Spleen is owned and managed by the Merlaut-Villars family, with Céline Villars-Foubet overseeing operations. Under this leadership, the estate has maintained its classification as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, a designation it received in the 2020 revised classification system.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Chasse-Spleen encompasses 98 hectares of vineyards situated on the gravel outcrops of Moulis-en-Médoc. The estate benefits from a terroir characterized by deep Garonne gravel soils mixed with clay and limestone substrates, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity. The vineyard is planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon (73%), complemented by Merlot (20%) and Petit Verdot (7%), reflecting the classic Left Bank Bordeaux composition.
The vineyards are planted at a density of 10,000 vines per hectare, with an average vine age of 30 years. This high density encourages competition among the vines, resulting in lower yields and more concentrated fruit. The estate produces approximately 400,000 bottles annually across its portfolio, which includes the grand vin Château Chasse-Spleen, and two second wines: L'Héritage de Chasse-Spleen and L'Oratoire de Chasse-Spleen. The grand vin typically displays the structured character of Cabernet Sauvignon tempered by the roundness of Merlot, with the small addition of Petit Verdot providing additional complexity and depth.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking philosophy at Château Chasse-Spleen balances respect for traditional Médoc methods with modern precision. Harvest is conducted plot by plot, with each vineyard section picked at optimal ripeness. The grapes undergo a careful selection process, first in the vineyard and then on sorting tables at the winery.
Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats of varying sizes, allowing for precise vinification of individual vineyard parcels. Maceration typically lasts between 21 and 28 days, depending on the vintage conditions and grape variety. The grand vin is aged for 12 to 18 months in French oak barrels, with approximately 40% new oak used each year.
The estate employs a technical team that monitors vineyard health throughout the growing season, implementing sustainable viticulture practices that minimize intervention while maintaining quality. The cellar management focuses on gentle extraction techniques to preserve fruit character while developing the tannic structure necessary for aging. This methodical approach to both vineyard management and winemaking has established Château Chasse-Spleen as a consistent producer of structured, age-worthy wines that express the distinctive character of the Moulis terroir.