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A Classified Growth of Graves in Pessac-Léognan
Château Carbonnieux is located in Léognan, in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, just outside Bordeaux. Created in 1987, this appellation forms part of the historic Graves region and covers 10 communes: Pessac, Léognan, Cadaujac, Canéjan, Gradignan, Martillac, Mérignac, Saint-Médard-d’Eyrans, Talence and Villenave-d’Ornon. Spanning around 1,600 hectares, with approximately 80% red grape varieties and 20% white grape varieties, it is home to some 70 wine estates, including 14 classified growths.
Château Carbonnieux is one of only six estates to have been awarded Classified Growth status for both its red and white wines.
Today, the Carbonnieux estate covers 170 hectares of land on the outskirts of Bordeaux. Vines have been grown here since the 13th century and now occupy 92 hectares in a single, continuous vineyard surrounding the château. The red grape varieties cover 50 hectares and include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The white grape varieties cover 42 hectares and are planted with Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
Château Carbonnieux follows sustainable winegrowing practices. Insecticides, weedkillers and chemical miticides are not used; instead, the estate favours environmentally friendly methods that protect biodiversity and strengthen the vine’s natural defences.
Break ont the Graves wine route
Graves wine-tasting trip
2 days / 1 night from €435 pp
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Château Carbonnieux: a family story
n 1956, Marc Perrin acquired the château and its vineyard and set about restoring the estate. Together with his son Anthony, he launched an extensive replanting programme. The vineyard grew from 45 hectares in 1970 to 70 hectares in 1980, and today covers 95 hectares.
From the 1990s onwards, Anthony took over the running of the estate and began modernising it. He worked tirelessly to build the reputation of Carbonnieux and Bordeaux wines around the world. He served as President of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, President of the Classified Growths of Graves, and was also one of the key advocates behind the creation of the Pessac-Léognan appellation in 1987.
Over the years, he passed on this family heritage and expertise to his children, Eric, Christine and Philibert Perrin, who now carry on the legacy. In 2019, the family team grew further with the arrival of Eric’s eldest sons. -
Visitor experiences at the Château
During your visit to Château Carbonnieux, you will discover key moments in the estate’s history, learn about the vineyard and its terroir, and tour both the white and red wine cellars. You will also be introduced to the different stages of winemaking, from grape reception and vinification to the ageing of the wines.
As part of the tour, you will have the opportunity to see a collection of vintage cars and cooperage tools, as well as the cellar where more than a century of vintages lie ageing.
Your visit will conclude with a tasting of two Château Carbonnieux wines.