Sigalas Rabaud, Chateau
Summary
Château Sigalas-Rabaud is a Premier Cru Classé Sauternes estate spanning 14 hectares at the appellation's highest elevation point in Fargues, where the de Lambert family has produced sweet wines from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc on gravelly limestone soils since 1863. The estate, led by Laure de Lambert Compeyrot, maintains traditional Sauternes methods with careful selection of botrytized grapes and 18-24 month barrel aging in French oak.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Sigalas-Rabaud holds the distinction of being a Premier Cru Classé property as designated in the 1855 Classification of Sauternes and Barsac. The estate, situated in the commune of Fargues, has remained under the stewardship of the de Lambert family since 1863. Today, Laure de Lambert Compeyrot leads the château, continuing a multi-generational tradition of family ownership and management.
Vineyards & Wines
The estate encompasses 14 hectares of vineyards positioned at the highest elevation point in Sauternes, reaching 40 meters above sea level. The vineyard composition consists of 85% Sémillon and 15% Sauvignon Blanc planted on gravelly soils overlying limestone bedrock. These vineyards directly border fellow Premier Cru property Château de Rayne Vigneau, occupying a notable position within the Sauternes appellation.
Philosophy & Practice
Sigalas-Rabaud adheres to traditional Sauternes winemaking methods, with particular focus on selective harvesting of botrytized grapes through multiple passes through the vineyard. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels, followed by aging periods of 18 to 24 months in oak. The estate maintains strict quality standards in its production of sweet wines, following the established protocols of the Sauternes appellation.