Biodynamic Right Bank Bordeaux estate making indigenous yeast wines from Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sémillon.
The producer
Château de la Vieille Chapelle farms 11 hectares in Lugon-et-l'Île-du-Carnay on Bordeaux's Right Bank. The estate has been organic certified since 2013 and Demeter biodynamic certified since 2017. Horse drawn ploughing, manual harvest and no chemical inputs shape the vineyard work. Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the primary red varieties, with Sémillon for whites. Fermentation uses indigenous yeasts, the wines are unfiltered, and total sulfur stays between 25 and 35 mg/L for reds and 40 and 60 mg/L for whites.
Known for
Biodynamic Right Bank Bordeaux
Notable facts
Château de la Vieille Chapelle was established in 2006.
The estate is in Lugon-et-l'Île-du-Carnay on Bordeaux's Right Bank.
Organic certification was achieved in 2013.
Demeter biodynamic certification was achieved in 2017.
Vineyard work includes horse drawn ploughing and manual hand harvest without chemical inputs.
The story
An April Arrival
Frédéric and Fabienne Mallier spent fourteen years searching across Asia and Europe for a vineyard. On an April morning in 2006, they arrived at the property that became Château de la Vieille Chapelle. Their response was immediate: “c’est ici,” “this is it.” They established the estate that year. Organic certification followed in 2013, then Demeter biodynamic certification in 2017. The property that began with that April arrival is now farmed with horse drawn ploughing, manual harvest and no chemical inputs.
From the atlas
Château de la Vieille Chapelle
A Demeter certified Bordeaux estate in Lugon-et-l'Île-du-Carnay, making indigenous yeast wines from Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sémillon.
At A Glance
Field
Detail
Location
Lugon-et-l'Île-du-Carnay, Gironde, Bordeaux's Right Bank
Red grapes
Merlot and Cabernet Franc
White grape
Sémillon
Farming
Organic and Demeter biodynamic certified
The Producer
Horse drawn ploughing and manual hand harvest are part of the vineyard work at Château de la Vieille Chapelle. The estate farms 11 hectares in Lugon-et-l'Île-du-Carnay, with no chemical inputs in the vineyard. Its wines ferment with indigenous yeasts, are unfiltered, and are made without crushing. Whites may sometimes be fined.
Total SO2 stays between 25 and 35 mg/L for reds and between 40 and 60 mg/L for whites. The cellar keeps the additions low while preserving the estate's red, white and rosé range.
Place
Château de la Vieille Chapelle is in Lugon-et-l'Île-du-Carnay on Gironde's Right Bank. The estate's Bordeaux wines are made at one address, with the range extending across red, white and rosé styles.
Wines
The named bottles include the 2025 Les Amuse-Gueules Château de la Vieille Chapelle, a 100% Merlot press rosé, and the 2021 Château de la Vieille Chapelle red. The estate's primary red varieties are Merlot and Cabernet Franc, while Sémillon is the main grape for whites.
Cuvée Tradition is a straightforward, well balanced Bordeaux with flavorful tannins, aromas of ripe red fruit, and a full bodied aromatic palate. The range therefore moves from a Merlot press rosé to Bordeaux red with tannin, fruit and body, alongside white wines based primarily on Sémillon.
Final Word
Château de la Vieille Chapelle combines horse drawn vineyard work, indigenous yeast fermentation and unfiltered wines across its Bordeaux range.