A fourth generation small family business based on the banks of the Isle near the port of Saillans producing wines that are some of the lesser known in our country. Henri Goujon and his wife inherited the small winery in 1933 along with the attractive manor house built in 1878; his name was that of the first owner, a Libourne barrister. When her son André took over in 1964, modern aging methods were introduced and the company began bottling. Now it is the turn of the next generation: Olivier Goujon has been responsible for Château Magondeau since 1989. His commitment and the knowledge and skills he acquired during his studies in viticulture and oenology are reflected in a quality that increases from year to year. The average age of the vines is 30 years. The grapes are harvested by hand, and the destemmed berries are also carefully selected.

With an acreage of 16 hectares, Goujon’s vineyards above the Isle represent a bare minimum to make ends meet in Fronsac. However, Olivier Goujon and his wife Clotilde never dreamed of expanding the business to make it more profitable. He and his family are content with stocking relatively small quantities in the cellar compared to large competitors, they put their passion for making a good wine before economic considerations. The marketing – almost a third is exported – is done in-house. There is hardly any time for hobbies or other passions. The enormous commitment deserves recognition, especially since the result is really excellent.

Olivier’s Brilliant Fronsac