Villemaurine, Chateau
Summary
Chateau Villemaurine is a 7-hectare Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé estate on the limestone plateau, owned by Justin Onclin since 2007, producing Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blends from clay-limestone soils. The estate combines traditional methods like hand harvesting with measured modernization, aging its wines in French oak within historic underground limestone quarries that form part of Saint-Émilion's UNESCO World Heritage site.
Heritage & Leadership
Chateau Villemaurine stands as a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé property with deep historical roots in the appellation. The estate changed hands in 2007 when Justin Onclin acquired ownership, bringing new direction to this Right Bank property. Under Onclin's leadership, the château has undergone significant renovations to both its winemaking facilities and historic underground limestone quarries, which date back several centuries and form part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saint-Émilion. The property maintains its connection to traditional Bordeaux winemaking while incorporating modern techniques appropriate to its terroir and classification status.
Vineyards & Wines
Chateau Villemaurine encompasses approximately 7 hectares of vineyards situated on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau. This distinctive terroir features a thin layer of clay-limestone soil over the underlying limestone bedrock, providing excellent drainage and mineral components that influence the wine's character. The vineyard is predominantly planted with Merlot (approximately 80%) complemented by Cabernet Franc (approximately 20%), reflecting the traditional Right Bank varietal composition. The estate's position on the limestone plateau places it among the classified properties benefiting from this prized geological formation. The vineyards receive careful management throughout the growing season, with attention to canopy management and yield control to ensure optimal fruit quality.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Chateau Villemaurine balances respect for terroir with technical precision. Harvest is conducted by hand with sorting to select only optimal fruit. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, allowing for careful extraction of color and tannin structure. The estate utilizes its historic underground limestone quarries for aging, where the wines mature in French oak barrels. These extensive underground cellars provide naturally consistent temperature and humidity conditions ideal for wine maturation. The property conducts tours of these historic quarries, connecting visitors to both the winemaking process and the historical significance of the estate within Saint-Émilion. The château produces its Grand Vin as well as a second wine, allowing for stringent selection for the primary cuvée while maintaining quality throughout its production.