Bordeaux 

2022

Merlot
Cabernet Franc 

Region: Bordeaux 

ESTATE HISTORY 

Château d’Arthus belongs to the François Janoueix family, who established their winemaking legacy in Libourne in 1898. Originally wine traders from Corrèze, the family expanded into vineyard ownership across the Right Bank over several generations.

The estate’s history is defined by this transition from merchant to producer, with the Janoueix name becoming synonymous with clay-limestone terroirs. Today, François Janoueix maintains the property as a family-run estate, blending 19th-century manual traditions with modern precision viticulture.

TERROIR

The terroir of Château d’Arthus is defined by its location on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, characterized by a mix of clay and limestone soils. These cool, heavy soils are ideal for Merlot, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly while maintaining freshness and structure.

The estate also features sandy-gravel patches that provide excellent drainage for Cabernet Franc, contributing aromatic complexity and fine tannins to the blend. This combination of mineral-rich clay and well-drained sections results in a wine with a plush mouthfeel and the classic earthiness typical of the Libourne region.

VITICULTURE

The viticulture at Château d’Arthus focuses on precision and environmental respect under the direction of François Janoueix. The estate utilizes satellite mapping to monitor vine vigor and maturity across different plots, ensuring each section is managed according to its specific needs.

Traditional practices remain central to their approach, including manual harvesting to preserve fruit integrity. The vineyards are primarily planted with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with canopy management and soil cultivation tailored to the clay-limestone terroir to encourage deep root growth and balanced yields.

WINEMAKING

Winemaking at Château d’Arthus combines traditional Right Bank methods with modern technical control. After a rigorous manual harvest, the grapes undergo fermentation in temperature-controlled vats to preserve fresh fruit aromas and ensure a plush texture.

The wine is aged with a focus on balance, often utilizing oak to add structure and subtle spice without masking the natural character of the Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This process results in a classic Bordeaux style that is accessible in its youth but possesses enough depth for short-term cellaring.

TASTING & FOOD PAIRINGS 

Château d’Arthus is a medium-bodied red featuring a plush texture and elegant structure. It offers flavors of ripe cherry, plum, and blackcurrant, with a finish of spice and earthy minerality. The wine's silky tannins and fresh profile make it approachable and refined.

This supple, Merlot-dominant wine pairs perfectly with savory dishes like roasted chicken, duck breast, or steak. It also complements casual meals like burgers and charcuterie, along with mushroom risotto or aged cheeses like Comté. For the best experience, decant young vintages for 30 to 60 minutes and serve at 16°C.