Château Angélus

History

Château Angélus, located in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Founded by Jean de Boüard de Laforest in 1782, the estate has remained in the same family's ownership for several generations. The de Boüard de Laforest family's genealogy can be traced back to Georges Bouard, a Jurat of Bordeaux born in 1544. In 1909, Maurice de Boüard de Laforest inherited the Domaine de Mazerat and expanded it through the acquisition of the Clos de l’Angelus in 1920.

The estate's name originates from the local tradition of vineyard workers pausing to pray when they heard the bells of nearby churches. This tradition is symbolized by the estate's iconic bell tower. In 1945, Maurice de Boüard de Laforest left the family holdings to his sons Jacques and Christian, who continued to expand the estate. In 1954, Château Angélus was classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé (A), the highest category in the classification of Bordeaux wines.

Under the leadership of Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, who joined the family business in 1976, the estate implemented modern winemaking techniques, including temperature-controlled fermentation and the use of new oak barrels. These innovations helped elevate Angélus to its current status. Today, the estate is managed by Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal and Thierry Grenié de Boüard, continuing the family's tradition of excellence[1][2][5].

Terroir

The terroir of Château Angélus is characterized by its unique combination of soil types and geographical features. The vineyards are situated in a natural amphitheater on the south-facing slopes of Saint-Émilion, which concentrates summer temperatures and promotes early growth. The soil is naturally drained by the slope, providing a regular supply of water and minerals. The well-balanced distribution of limestone and clay (ranging from 8 to 20%) ensures a consistent supply of water and minerals, making it an ideal terroir for the vines.

The vineyard is predominantly planted with Merlot on clay soils at higher elevations and Cabernet Franc on sandy clay-limestone soils at the foot of the hill. The Cabernet Franc thrives on warm soils characterized by sandy-calcareous scree resting on clays, which naturally provides a regular water supply. This specific terroir allows Cabernet Franc grapes to reach their peak after 20 years, with vines over 40 years old yielding particularly spectacular results, albeit with low yields[1][4].