Château de Pierreux Brouilly 2022

The history of this former fortified manor dating from the 13^th century is echoed in the two towers that survive from that era, one used as a pigeon coop, the other as a defensive post complete with arrow slits. The chateau has been renovated several times over the centuries. Its cellars date from the early 17^th century, while the residence one sees today is from the 19^th century.

The origins of the building are lost in the mists of time. Jacques Cœur, the brilliant administrator of the royal mint in the 14^th century, is said to have produced silver coins from the galena mine at Pierreux. “There is a chateau known as Pierreux, which belongs to a good gentleman by the name of Thibault, who long served in the army and was called Mr. de Pierreux,” according to the History of Beaujolais (1672).

The chateau was often passed down the female line: Arthaud de la Ferrière, then Charpin-Feugerolles, who lost their three children in the horrors of the Great War, followed by the Toulgoët family, who passed this gem on to us.

The Beaujolais has a very soothing effect on the eye. Its rolling hillsides stretch into the distance, framing a landscape traversed by sinuous roads. Winemakers are independent spirits, as the houses dotted among the vines indicate.

The façade of Pierreux faces Mont Brouilly, a hill covered with vines. Located in the parish of Odenas, Pierreux has one foot in Mâconnais limestone, the other in the granite of the Beaujolais. The hills here lie on porphyry and shale rich in flint and stones, and vines have been grown here for a thousand years.