Château Bonalgue

Chateau Bonalgue started out life under the name of Clos Bonalgue. That name changed in 1969 to Chateau Bonalgue. The estate has a long history in the Pomerol appellation. The original chateau was constructed in 1815. Chateau Bonalgue was purchased by the Bourotte family in 1926. Today, the Bourotte lso own Chateau Clos du Clocher in Pomerol, as well as other Bordeaux estates and a successful negociant company.

The 7.55 hectare vineyard of Chateau Bonalgue is planted to 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The vines are located just northeast of Libourne The Right Bank vineyard has a terroir of sand, gravel and clay with bits of iron in the soil. Previously, the vineyard had a portion of it devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon, but those vines were removed and replaced by Merlot plantings in subsequent years. This took place at some point during the 1980’s. The vineyard is planted to a vine density that ranges from 6,000 to 8,000 vines per hectare. The vines are on average, 25 years of age.

To produce the wine of Chateau Bonalgue, vinification takes place in 13, temperature controlled, stainless steel vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in a combination of vats and French oak barrels The estate has plans to update their cellars and increase the number of vats to allow for more parcel by parcel vinification. The wine is aged in 50% new, French oak barrels for an average of 18 months. Close to 2,500 cases are produced of Chateau Bonalgue each year. There is a second wine, Beausejour de Bonalgue.