Château Monconseil-Gazin

The Côtes de Blaye is on the right bank of the Gironde estuary north of Bordeaux, a city whose stateliness is illustrated by its fine 18th century architecture; and as wine regions go it takes some beating for the variety of its landscapes, wine and cuisine. Across the estuary are the famous châteaux of the Médoc and slightly further west the golden, windswept beaches of the Atlantic.

Not far from the 17th century citadel of Blaye is Plassac, a small wine-producing commune whose land has been renowned for vine growing since Roman times - long before vines were planted in the Médoc. It is here on the gentle slopes above the village that we find Château Monconseil-Gazin, where, legend has it, Charlemagne once held council.

The château was built around 1500 and since 1894 five generations of the Baudet family have produced quality wine here. Jean-Michel Baudet is one of an elite group of winemakers who have been working hard for many years to realise their dream of creating a new appellation - AOC Blaye. Their hard work paid off, and the 2000 vintage was the first to bear the name of the new appellation.

Jean-Michel Baudet and his wife Françoise both speak good English and enjoy welcoming Partners to their domaine.