Château Filhot

A Second Growth Sauternes estate, Château Filhot was founded in 1709 by Romain de Filhot, when he began planting vineyards. However, the impressive château was not built until the 1840s, though a few sections do date before this year. Filhot had established an early reputation for excellent wines and was admired by Thomas Jefferson, the wines often sold for high prices. Disaster struck, however, during the French Revolution, Filhot was confiscated and its owner guillotined. His daughter, though, had married a Lur-Saluces who helped them rescue the property and it remained in their family ever since. Over the years, the estate expanded then shrunk from 120 hectares in the mid-19th century to only 20 hectares in 1933. Today, it is an impressive 62 hectares and is planted to 60% Sémillon, 36% Sauvignon Blanc and 4% Muscadelle. It is known to produce a Sauternes of grace and elegance with a feminine, refined touch rather than a heavy weight. In addition to its main Sauternes, it also makes Crème de Tête in exceptional vintages, which has more richness and depth.