L'Evangile, Chateau
Summary
Château L'Evangile is a 16-hectare Pomerol estate owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), producing Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blends from clay-gravel soils over Günzian gravel terraces. The estate combines traditional practices like hand-harvesting with modern techniques including optical sorting and temperature-controlled fermentation, aging their wines for 18 months in 70% new French oak barrels.
Heritage & Leadership
Château L'Evangile's history begins in the 18th century when it was known as Fazilleau. The estate found stability under the Ducasse family's ownership in 1862, who held it until 1990. During their tenure, the property was renamed Château L'Evangile. A significant transition occurred in 1990 when Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) acquired the estate, bringing their extensive winemaking expertise to Pomerol. Guillaume Pouthier currently serves as the Technical Director, overseeing all aspects of production.
Vineyards & Wines
L'Evangile's 16-hectare vineyard sits in a prime position within Pomerol, planted predominantly to Merlot (80%) with complementary Cabernet Franc (20%). The vines, averaging 30 years of age, grow in clay-gravel soils atop a Günzian gravel terrace, characteristic of Pomerol's finest terroirs. Planted at densities between 6,000 and 7,000 vines per hectare, the vineyard management focuses on achieving optimal ripeness through careful canopy management and yield control.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking at L'Evangile combines traditional methods with modern precision. Hand-harvesting ensures careful selection of fruit, followed by optical sorting to maintain quality standards. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vessels, allowing precise control over extraction. The wine ages for 18 months in French oak barrels, with 70% new oak providing structure while respecting the fruit character. This measured approach to both viticulture and vinification reflects the estate's focus on expressing its distinctive Pomerol terroir.