Madiran & Pacherenc du Vic Bilh
Our history A family devoted to its terroir
Since 1927, 4 generations of winegrowers have succeeded each other at Château Aydie.
Explore the key milestones of our history ...
Frédéric Laplace, owner and cultivator at Château d’Aydie.
He played a pivotal role in the vineyard's development, elevating it to a prominent position in the region's diversified agriculture.
A mistelle (fortified wine), crafted from a base of Tannat , was born, laying the foundation for Maydie. Frédéric carefully stored a few small barrels in the cellar, fortifying the grape juice with spirit. The outcome? A delightful indulgence with a refined palate, quickly becoming a charming surprise served at the Château.
Pierre Laplace succeeds his father at the head of the operation and continues the development of the vineyard.
The estate's first venture into selling its own bottled wines began. André Daguin, the famous Gascon chef happened to taste a sample… and fell in love. An initial order of 4000 bottles was placed.
This marked a significant milestone for the Laplace family, marking the beginning of an ongoing adventure.
Initially Jean Luc, followed quickly by his brothers with the assistance of Marie, focus on refining technical specifications by identifying optimal terroirs and advancements in vinification techniques, particularly concerning the Tannat grape.
The initial cultivation of Tannat on the clay-limestone slopes of the Madiran region. It showcases how a grape variety can manifest its unique characteristics based on specific soil conditions, enhancing blends by imparting strength, character, as well as balance and a refreshing quality.
The acquisition of the Château, it becoming the flagship of the domaine.
Maydie is born
The initial implementation of high-density planting for Tannat (over 8000 vines per hectare), aimed at achieving low yields per vine to enhance concentration and complexity.
Transitioning to HVE (High Environmental Value) certification.
"Envision the wines of the future!" With their wealth of experience, the family endeavors to elevate the Tannat, selecting more precise vineyard plots, refining winemaking techniques, and crafting increasingly demanding blends. They aim to maintain its inherent qualities while ensuring it remains contemporary in expression.
"Innovation" involves attentive listening to consumers' needs and preferences. The Laplace family strives to deliver novel experiences. This commitment to innovation extends to inventive packaging and a diverse range of cuvées cultivated across the 80 hectares of the estate. There's a genuine dedication to satisfying wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Story to follow ...
The family estate
Set against the picturesque Pyrenees, Château d'Aydie perches atop a hill. This grand Belle Epoque villa once belonged to the Béarnais writer Joseph Peyré, recipient of the Goncourt Prize in 1935. Within this estate, we meticulously identify and nurture terroirs to craft exceptional wines, with our two historical references leading the range : Château d'Aydie and Odé d'Aydie.
Area
58 hectares
Appellation
Madiran & Pacherenc du Vic-bilh
Range
13 cuvées
Location
Aydie, pyrénées atlantiques