Stéphane SPITZGLOUS representing the third generation of his family was born on the estate. Brough up by his grandfather, he used to spend entire days with him on the tractor. In 1996, Henri Bonnaud finally agreed to let his grand-son take the Estate.
Stéphane produced his first vintage in 2004. In tribute to his grandfather, who died in 2001, he decided to name it « Château Henri Bonnaud ».
The Quintessence line was created in 2006.
Cut of a deep conviction, Stéphane made the choice of an organic conversion in 2010 for the whole estate. As well as an organic winemaking with a first certified vintage in 2013.
In 2011, he laid the first stone of his “Château”, and made his biggest dream comes true. One of the greatest moments of the estate’s history.
Stéphane is an enthusiast and self-taught winemaker, full of secrets that he shares only with his tanks and his barrels. Henri Bonnaud, himself, spoke to his vines…….but be quiiieeet.
A FAMILY STORY
OF MEN, PROUD TO BE FARMERS, OUTSTANDING WORKERS
A UNIQUE TERROIR & CLIMATE
Château Henri Bonnaud is located in Le Tholonet village, 6 kilometers South-East of Aix-en-Provence. Our vineyards are spread out over 14 hectares of this beautiful appellation which counts a total of 48 hectares. The “Palette” appellation is one of the most confidential of France.
Its terroir is made up of a chalky gravel soil called of “Langesse” (a lakeside limestone of the Tertiary era). Our plots are located in a natural amphitheater, protected from the mistral by the Langesse and Grand Cabri hills, and by the Cengle and Sainte Victoire mountains; benefits from a microclimate. Our vines benefit from an ideal sun exposure, from sunrise to sunset, for the production of red wines that age well and truly rosé for fine dining.
A few plots of north facing land, benefit from an ideal exposure for a slow and perfect maturation of our white grapes. Missing vines are replaced in a regular way to preserve plots where we can find old vines of more than 60 years old.
Other plots of land classified in Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire, Côtes de Provence and IGP Mediterranean Sea, representing approximately 10 hectares, allow us to produce wine to be enjoyed in its youth. Château Henri Bonnaud also offers one of the best views of Sainte Victoire Mountain which draws the attention of so many painters and photographers.
WINE PRODUCTION/ DEDICATED TO ORGANIC FARMING
NO ARTIFICIAL FERTILIZERS, NO WEED KILLERS
Stéphane is proud of the amazing legacy he has inherited from his grandfather and still to protect this beautiful and fragile nature. Since 1990, we have promoted the use of organic fertilizer
Environnementally conscious, he made the choice to convert to organic farming, in 2010, covering the entire estate. The 2013 and following vintages are 100% organic. The diversity of the fauna and flora in our vineyards attests to their excellent health and permit to obtain authentic wines.
The production procedures are defined in such a way as to ensure that the terroir’s distinctive features and the grape varieties are preserved and find their expression in the wine.
