Château Chasse-Spleen
Château Chasse-Spleen
#PROPERTY: History & Terroir
The history of Château Chasse-Spleen
Château Chasse-Spleen, the gem of the Moulis appellation, embodies a rich and captivating history that goes back over four centuries. Established in the heart of the prestigious Médoc terroir, the estate's origins date back to the 17th century, bearing witness to the region's long tradition of winegrowing.
However, it was in the 1820s that Château Chasse-Spleen's destiny took a singular turn. At that time, the original estate was divided into two distinct parts: one half remained the property of Sieur Gressier, while the other half went to his sister, Madame Castaing. It was the latter who, in 1863, gave the estate the emblematic name of Chasse-Spleen. Over the centuries, Château Chasse-Spleen has preserved its heritage while evolving with the times. Today, it embodies the viticultural excellence of the Médoc, producing elegant, complex wines that captivate palates the world over. This fascinating history, marked by the passion and dedication of its successive owners, gives Château Chasse-Spleen a special aura, making it one of the greatest names in Bordeaux winegrowing.
Jacques Merlaut, owner of Château Chasse-Spleen
Château Chasse-Spleen has had several owners throughout its history, each helping to shape its destiny and preserve its exceptional winegrowing heritage. Initially owned by the Castaing family until 1909, Château Chasse-Spleen was then acquired by the German wine merchant Segnitz. However, at the end of the First World War, the estate was confiscated and sold. In 1920, it was bought by the Lahary family, who owned it for several decades before selling it to Jacques Merlaut in 1976.
Jacques Merlaut, founder of the Taillan trading company, marked a new era in the history of Château Chasse-Spleen. Under his leadership, the estate underwent significant renewal and modernization, reinforcing its reputation as a producer of wines of exceptional quality. Since 2000, Château Chasse-Spleen has been run by Céline Villars-Foubet, granddaughter of Jacques Merlaut. She carries on the family legacy with passion and dedication, maintaining the estate's excellence and renown. Thanks to her enlightened leadership, Château Chasse-Spleen continues to be a flagship of the Moulis appellation in the Médoc, offering wines of remarkable quality and uniqueness, which appeal to connoisseurs the world over.
Why the name, Chasse-Spleen?
The name "Chasse-Spleen" evokes a poetic and intriguing atmosphere, which has given rise to various interpretations over the years. According to some sources, the name was inspired by Charles Baudelaire's iconic collection of poetry, "Les Fleurs du Mal". The Bordeaux painter Odilon Redon, a neighbor of the château, is said to have created the illustrations for this collection, and the melancholy, sombre atmosphere emanating from some of his works is said to have influenced the choice of the name "Chasse-Spleen" to designate the estate's wine. This association with Baudelaire and Redon lends the name an artistic and literary dimension, adding a touch of mystery and sophistication to the château's identity.
Another interpretation of the name "Chasse-Spleen" dates back to the visit of the famous English poet Lord Byron to the estate. According to this version, Lord Byron declared that Chasse-Spleen wine "has no equal for chasing away dark thoughts", referring to its ability to ward off melancholy and provide a sense of well-being. This anecdote adds a romantic and mythical dimension to the château's name, reinforcing its reputation and charm among wine lovers.
Whatever its exact origin, the name "Chasse-Spleen" embodies a certain poetry and special atmosphere that have helped forge the château's identity and reputation over the centuries. It bears witness to the rich and fascinating history of this emblematic wine estate in the Moulis en Médoc appellation.
Château Chasse-Spleen terroir
The Château Chasse-Spleen vineyard covers an impressive 105 hectares, offering a vast terrain ideal for growing vines. Nestled in the heart of the Moulis appellation, on Bordeaux's left bank at the top of the Grand-Poujeaux hillside, this estate boasts a vineyard with an exceptional terroir, characterized by the presence of Garonne gravel and clay-limestone soil, which give the wines their distinctive character and elegance.
The grape varieties that make up the Château Chasse-Spleen vineyard are carefully selected to best reflect the specific characteristics of this unique terroir. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot are the main grape varieties grown, each making its own contribution to the final blend.
Cabernet Sauvignon, the emblematic grape of the Médoc, gives Château Chasse-Spleen wines their structure and aromatic complexity, with notes of black fruit, blackcurrant and liquorice. Merlot adds a velvety texture and red fruit aromas, while Petit Verdot adds a spicy touch and extra tannic structure.
#WINES OF THE DOMAIN: Appellations and Cuvées
Moulis en Médoc appellation
The Moulis en Médoc appellation is one of the most prestigious communal appellations in the Médoc wine region, located on the left bank of the Gironde River in France. It benefits from an exceptional terroir, characterized by soils of Garonne gravel, sand and silt, as well as a microclimate ideal for vine-growing.
Moulis en Médoc appellation wines are mainly reds, made from the region's traditional grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and sometimes a little Malbec. These grape varieties produce elegant, complex wines with a fine tannic structure and aromas of black fruits, spices, tobacco and licorice, typical of Médoc wines.
Discover our selection of Moulis en Médoc wines
Château Chasse-Spleen vintages
Chateau Chasse-Spleen Moulis-en-Médoc
Oratoire de Chasse-Spleen
Héritage de Chasse-spleen
Blanc de Chasse-Spleen
Gressier Grand Poujeaux
Château Chasse-Spleen's wine blends are renowned for their depth, opulence and ability to age, offering an aromatic power that is admired by connoisseurs the world over. This wine is a perfect match for red meats, sauces, game, goat's or cow's cheese, chocolate or coffee-based desserts.
Château Chasse-Spleen labels
Château Chasse-Spleen's labels are more than mere indications of content; they embody a veritable fusion between contemporary art and the world of wine. Their regularly renewed quotations and designs give the bottles an artistic and poetic dimension. This integration of contemporary art continues on the estate, with the "Centre d'Art" offering temporary exhibitions, providing a unique experience for visitors and wine enthusiasts alike. By associating art with the discovery of wine, Château Chasse-Spleen creates an atmosphere where literature, poetry and wine mingle, creating an enchanting and inspiring setting for lovers of art and fine wines.
Vintage Château Chasse-Spleen, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023
When to drink Chasse-Spleen 2016
Château Chasse Spleen 2016 is an exceptional wine from the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation, hailed by wine critics for its remarkable quality. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc offers an expressive nose of black cherries, fresh roses and spicy notes. On the palate, it has a dense, clean attack, with fine tannins and a lingering finish. This wine has great ageing potential and will reach its peak between 2022 and 2045. Served at 16°C, it is the perfect accompaniment to a platter of fine charcuterie as an aperitif.
How much does Château Chasse-Spleen cost?
The cost of a bottle of Château Chasse-Spleen wine can vary according to a number of factors, including vintage, quality, rarity and more. On our site, you'll find all the pricing information you need to make your online purchase easier, allowing you to make an informed choice according to your preferences and budget.
#IN BRIEF: Figures
Region : Bordeaux
Appellation : Moulis en Médoc
Surface area : 107 hectares (103.5 ha Red, 3.5 ha White)
Red grape varieties : 52% Cabarnet-Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabarnet Franc
White grape varieties : 45% Sémillon, 45% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Muscadelle
Vine cultivation : Raisonnée