Chateau Guilhem was built in 1791 by the Marquis Edmond d’Auberjeon for his son Edouard. Since the XVth century, his family has lived in the Lauragais and has farmed the land until it’s sale to a business man in Limoux, Léon Pariot, in 1878.
For 20 years, Léon Pariot managed the 250 acres of land on this estate of which there are by vineyards, fields and woods. In 1902, Paul Guilhem, his son-in-law, a lawyer in Carcassonne managed the estate. He renovated not only the “cave” but also the Chateau thereby giving it its appearance today.
Then, his son Jacques, inventor of FORMICA and a cinema producer, managed the estate thereby giving it another dimension, also he planted the first ever wine varieties which include: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Moreover, he participated at the principals of our AOP “Malepère” chart.
Jacques was the first winemaker to bottle his own wine onsite and to actually sell it himself.
During the 1980’s, Brigitte, his daughter, created an oenology lab in Limoux and at the same time, managed the estate and was selling more than 100 000 bottles in 10 different countries.
In 2004, Bertrand, Brigitte’s son, in turn managed the estate. Having had a lot of experience in the world of wine, he also put in place the Malepère appellation in 2007. In 2010, he converted all his vineyards which are now certified organic. Today , more than 350 000 bottles are sold in more than 20 countries around the world and the wine has also several times been awarded in various prestigious competition and as well as awarded in wine magazines.
Now, his goal is to make wine in this Appellation which offers unique blends in Languedoc Roussillon. But his dearest wish is that his estate can continue to be passed down through generations in order to preserve the family heritage, culture and traditions.
Actually, the vineyards today stretch for more than 35 acres on the slopes of clay limestones exposed south and southwest within the “Malepère massif” where now grow the varieties : Merlot, Cabernet France, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Altitude (250 to 400 meters high), close to the Pyrenees, impacts the taste and the effect on the grapes thanks to the Atlantique and the Mediterranean influences.
Since 2010, we cultivate our grapes respecting the organic methods and local tradition thereby enhancing the unique flavour of the wine.
Growing grapes, making wine, selling wine, requires dedicated women and men who are committed and devoted to all of the aspects involved.
Bertrand has carefully selected his staff accordingly, who are passionate and proud to be able to offer you their delicious wines at their shop and/or via a wine tasting.
Une équipe passionnée qui se fera un plaisir de vous faire découvrir nos délicieux vins à la boutique de dégustation.
