About us
Château d'Anvichar
THE HISTORY OF CHÂTEAU D’ANVICHAR
Respectful of tradition, we kept the name of Château d’Anvichar, which bears the name of the three sons of the prior owners, Antoine, Victor and Charles. Terroir is not simply the microclimate and soils, but also the actions of the people who work in the vines and in the “chai.”
Our predominantly-female team strives to translate the story of each vintage, with passion and sensitivity.
RESPECT FOR HISTORY AND TRADITION
Vine growing in the region dates back almost 2000 years. Respect for history and tradition motivates our decisions. Mindful of future generations, we are guardians and must think of our footprints on the environment.
Each vintage strives to produce wines with a strong identity, prioritizing the value of terroir, respecting environmental constraints and winemaking traditions. At the same time, we are open to new ideas which may enrich our experience and enhance our wines.
Overlooking a vine-covered valley, the château rests on a limestone plateau. There is a natural water source that feeds the vines and a wash basin on site. Historically, villagers used this wash basin, much like the bread oven located in the oldest part of the château (now part of our wine boutique).
The original château dates to 1737, according to a dated beam, and the more recent part of the house (opposite the dovecoat) was completed in 1854, according to the dated chimney cap.
Recent research has shown that Château d’Anvichar was listed in the Guide Feret of 1874, under a former name, Périgord.
In 1874, our beloved vineyard already was producing 10 barrels of wine per year.
A Certified-Organic Winery
Eco-responsible production is at the heart of our work. We strive to adopt the most virtuous production possible, from the vines to the “chai,” from vinification to bottling. We thus have stopped chemical weeding, promoted microbial activity in our soils, and restricted our water consumption. Our bottles are light and our packaging reduced to the minimum.
Crédit photos @ Claude Clin Photographe.
The winemaker
Carol Zaist realized her dream of becoming a winemaker when she bought Château d’Anvichar in Saint-Genès-de-Castillon. The Californian former business lawyer has approached the profession with respect, method and ambition for her wine.
Finding the ideal estate took some time, as the criteria were quite precise. She fell in love with Anvichar on the clay-limestone plateau of Saint-Genès-de-Castillon.
As soon as the sale was signed, the handover from the previous owners went smoothly. She wanted to be involved in every stage of the winemaking process, both in the vineyards and in the cellar.
DISCOVER the Château d'Anvichar label
THE TWO TREES
Our properties and our lives are linked to two old trees that feature on our label: an almost 300-year-old oak and an almost 200-year-old linden blossom tree. Oaks symbolize strength and endurance. Friendship, peace and altruism are linked to the linden blossom trees. These trees have experienced great changes and challenges in their lives. These majestic trees inspire us with their longevity and profound meaning.
THE CHÂTEAU
Overlooking a vine-covered valley, the château stands on a limestone plateau. The original house dates back to 1737, according to a dated wood beam, and the most recent part of the residence (opposite to the dovecote) was completed in 1854, according to a carved chimney cap, which now forms part of our entrance pillars.
THE VINES
The vines are planted on a limestone slab, perched on a thin layer of clay, all characteristic of the St-Emilion plateau. The altitude of the vineyard, its age and its roots mitigate somewhat the effects of climate change. However, in the face of this new challenge, we have planted cabernet franc, one of our region’s historic grape varieties, which we feel is better adapted to today’s climatic constraints.
THE ATELIER
The studio is a space for creativity. Like all art and life, this space has surprising depth. The covered area at ground level offers a sheltered view of the magnificent valley of vines; the lower level has a natural rusticity and enough privacy to let the artistic soul express itself, take root and soar. The art of the studio is balanced by the tradition of the dovecote.
THE LAVOIR
The underground springs that hydrate our vines historically filled a washbasin where the community gathered to wash their clothes (and their children). The estate’s close ties to the community are honored by working with local businesses and artists.
THE PIGEONNIER
The dovecote next to the château was historically used for breeding pigeons. Now it’s a reminder of ancient traditions and craftsmanship.
THE THREE DOGS
The three dogs on our label are real: Gap, a Leonberger who made the château his home all of his life; Kayla, a Rhodesian Ridgeback who enjoyed the sunny plateau; and Neville, a Border Collie-Cattledog mix whose exuberance keeps the loft empty. We’re inspired by the joy and loyalty of dogs.
