The Vineyard
Château Moyau covers a total area of 128.5 acres. Planting rights exist for around half of the area. At present, 52 acres are actively cultivated. An additional 7.5 acres are currently being prepared for planting.
The name of the winery is derived from the Occitan word “Matuya”. This means “fertile land”. However, area legends tell that the château was founded by the descendants of pirates who came to the coast and their leader, that settled here was named, “Moyau”. We find both origins a possibility.
At the end of the 20th century, large parts of the vineyard were abandoned. This changed in 2004 with the fundamental reorientation of the winery. Thus, the wine production was transformed from quantity to quality; the wines produced make up only a third of the originally produced Moyau wine.
Today the winery shines in new splendor. With state-of-the-art, sustainable methods the wine is cultivated and developed in our modern cellar into what our customers and we value so much: incomparable Moyau.
The Terroir
Château Moyau is proud to be included in the Languedoc wine producing region of Southern France with the distinct classification of “AOC La Clape” with a Grand cru exposure.
In recognition of the high quality of the wines produced in this area, the AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée) La Clape was created in 2011. On an area of only approximately 5.8 x 3.9 square miles there are only 30 wineries and four cooperatives that carry this distinction. This makes AOC wines a scarce commodity.
La Clape is a coastal mountain range up to 650 ft high between the mouth of the river “Aude” in the east and the village Gruissan in the west. The island location, which still existed in the Middle Ages, can still be seen today because La Clape is only connected to the mainland by sedimentation. The landscape itself is rugged with cliffs and mountains.
La Clape consists mainly of calcareous rock causing Moyau to have a wide variety of soils. Many of our vineyards are covered with pebbles and flints. Others are sandy and clay-like. The diversity and uniqueness of our soils, the close proximity to the Mediterranean together with the excellent microclimate, allow us to produce a variety of wines with a strong character. We are happy to offer special editions that emphasize the unique nature of our individual plots.
The Team
A unique location, a first-class terroir and high-quality grape varieties alone do not automatically make first-class wines. Starting with the pruning of the vines, the care of the vines, the harvest up to the professional maturation of the wines, a well-rehearsed and passionate team is required.
Half a dozen permanent employees work for Château Moyau. A team of seasonal workers who have been working well together for many years are added during the grape harvest.
The local team is led by our winegrower and director of the estate, Antoine Bonneaud. He is supported by our oenologist, Claude Gros.
Mrs. ChenYing Huang is responsible for our sales and logistics coordination. She looks after our international dealer and customer network from Europe to Asia.
Christa and Oliver Porr von Buchwald are involved in the day-to-day work at the winery and in sales on the part of the owners.
STAY AT Château MOYAU
Moyau is a magnificent spot on earth. Not only can you grow exquisite wine here, it is also a great location for taking a break and relaxing in our beautiful atmosphere.
