Château Du Carpia
Château du Carpia, built at the end of the 16th century, is one of the oldest family-owned estates in Bordeaux, managed by eleven generations of the Baritault family since 1642. The name "Carpia" comes from Old French and means "place planted with hornbeams," a majestic and sturdy tree symbolizing balance and biodiversity. The hornbeam, known for its ability to retain leaves even when dry, provides shelter for numerous insects during the winter, making the surrounding area a vital and rich ecosystem.
Since 1983, Aude and Xavier Planty have managed the estate, which spans 133 hectares, of which 22 are dedicated to vines and 111 reserved for grain cultivation. The strong bond with the land and family tradition has inspired the choice to practice organic farming, the only conceivable path to respect such a special terroir. In 2006, the estate officially began its conversion to organic farming, certified in 2009. This approach means that no herbicides or pesticides are used in the vineyard, and the soil is worked between the rows to promote natural balance.
The vineyard, located on the first terrace overlooking the Garonne, benefits from soil rich in "doucines," light earth that retains freshness and fertility, thanks to a limestone-mineral structure that contributes to the wine's complexity. The roots of the vines penetrate this soil, absorbing the unique characteristics of the subsoil and imparting an intense minerality to the wine, further enhanced by organic cultivation.
Château Du Carpia
With a density of 4,000 vines per hectare, the organic vineyard of Château du Carpia not only produces healthy and aromatic grapes but also supports a vibrant ecosystem. The sounds of pollinating insects, the songs of birds, and the microbial life of the soils bring every corner of the estate to life, reflecting a philosophy of respect for nature. Organic farming is not limited to eliminating synthetic chemicals and GMOs; it aims to enhance the biological activity of the soils, preserving their long-term fertility through mechanical methods and the recycling of organic matter.
The result is a Bordeaux of great personality that best expresses the terroir in which it is born. Each bottle of Château du Carpia encapsulates the essence of its soil, climate, and biodiversity, offering an authentic and profound experience to those who taste it.