Château La Brande, Organic Wines, Biodynamics and Nature in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

Château la Brande belongs to the Todeschini family (Château Mangot). It is situated in Belvès de Castillon within the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. A hilly, rugged, bucolic and wild vineyard covering 21 hectares in a single block, of which 16 hectares are under vine. Karl and Yann Todeschini produce organic, biodynamic and natural wines here.

The vineyards of Château La Brande

With an elevation range of 63 metres, between 15 and 78 metres, the vineyard—set on south-facing clay-limestone slopes—features steep gradients (up to 17%). This topography promotes natural drainage and ensures optimal exposure across the entire vineyard. There are 10 plots offering varied soil and climate conditions: from warm, dry and breezy hilltops to cooler foothills. Unlike Mangot, clay predominates here over limestone, with veins of flint. This terroir lends the wine greater roundness and charm, resulting in delicious wines.

Organic viticulture driven by conviction

Organic, Biodynamic & Natural Bordeaux Wines

Synthetic products, herbicides and insecticides have no place at Château La Brande. Not because it is fashionable, but simply because it is the obvious choice and a personal conviction. The aim is to minimise our environmental impact as much as possible: to preserve the soil, the landscape, groundwater, biodiversity and people. This commitment is reinforced by a conversion to organic farming, which became official with the 2020 vintage. Furthermore, the adoption of biodynamic practices from 2018 led to Biodyvin certification from 2020.

Minimise inputs

Soil cultivation is carried out in a sustainable manner to preserve its structure. Organic inputs such as manure and compost, combined with the sowing of legumes and cereals, promote biological activity in the soil. This ecosystem forms the basis of a living soil. Throughout the growing season, foliar treatments (trace elements, herbal infusions, plant extracts, silica, etc.) maintain the plant’s nutritional balance and stimulate its natural defences. This helps to minimise the use of plant protection products, however natural they may be, such as copper, for example.

Like a vineyard gardener

This meticulous work in the vineyard allows us to produce wine with minimal intervention, as naturally as possible, without biotechnology or artificial additives. Sulphites, used thoughtfully and in appropriate quantities, enable the wines to reveal the full character of their terroirs. It is not a question of doing nothing, but of guiding them as best we can, where necessary, so that they can fulfil their full potential. Pure, expressive wines, true to their character and, above all, wines we would love to drink. Maturation takes place in vats, barrels, large wooden casks or amphorae.

A few photos of Château La Brande