French term for a vineyard. However, it does not necessarily have to be a "castle" or even a "castle-like building". The use of the term is therefore not linked to whether there is a castle or not, as it is not uncommon for there to be none at all. However, individual, especially historic, wineries do indeed have magnificent buildings that truly deserve the name. Among the most attractive are Château Beychevelle (Saint-Julien), Château Chasse-Spleen (Moulis), Château d'Issan (Margaux), Château Margaux (Margaux) and Château Pichon-Longueville Baron (Pauillac). More similar to a castle are Château Rauzan-Ségla (Margaux) and Château d'Yquem (Sauternes). There are over 4,000 châteaux in France, but the term is most commonly used in Bordeaux. According to another version, "Château" is not derived from the French word for "castle", but from "Chai" (Chaisteau) for "barrel cellar". The correct name would therefore be "Chaisteau".
There is a vast number of sources on the web where one can acquire knowledge about wine. But none has the scope, timeliness and accuracy of the information in the encyclopaedia at wein.plus. I use it regularly and rely on it.
Sigi Hiss
freier Autor und Weinberater (Fine, Vinum u.a.), Bad Krozingen