Château Valandraud

The history of Château Valandraud dates back to 1989 when Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud decided to acquire a small plot of 0.6 hectares in the Saint-Emilion valley, not far from the Châteaux Pavie-Macquin and La Clotte. The name Valandraud is a subtle blend of a geographical location (Val Valley of Fongabau) and a sentimental connection. Indeed, “Andraud”, the surname of Murielle appears on the registers of Saint-Emilion as early as 1459. By the gradual purchase of neighboring parcels, the area now has 8.88 hectares. In 1991, Château Valandraud’s first vintage was marketed and marked the beginning of a new era for the Thunevin family, following their success as a merchant.

Located on the terroir of the Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Emilion, the vines of Château Valandraud are planted in clay-limestone soils. The viticulture method of the vine is done both in a traditional and modern way: double guyot pruning, suckering, lifting, leaf stripping, harvest in green. The harvest is manual, a first sorting is done directly on the ground to pick only ripe clusters. The winemaking takes place in a “green” inspired winery and is done in stainless steel vats, thermo-regulated wood and concrete. The aging is 24 to 36 months in 100% new barrels. In addition, all the properties of Jean-Luc Thunevin are ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certified. The success of Château Valandraud has given birth to an “uncontrolled” appellation of origin: the wine of garage! The know-how and dedication of the teams of Jean-Luc Thunevin is rewarded in 2012 when the Château Valandraud is promoted 1st Grand Cru Classé in the Saint-Emilion Grands Crus classification.

When tasting, Château Valandraud offers an intense, fruity and very ripe nose, smelling of black fruits. The palate is soft and the wine develops dense, velvety and rich.

Their Team

Owners : Jean-Luc THUNEVIN & Murielle ANDRAUD