“Count de Venancourt acquired Château Saint-Eugène in 1835. Originally from Martinique, he was related to Empress Josephine. He called his son Eugène, as Josephine did hers.
Another relative, Viscount de Venancourt, an officer and later admiral in the French navy, was famous for having discovered The Raft of the Medusa, made famous in Géricault’s painting.
Under Michel Gonet’s stewardship, this vineyard in the heart of Martillac, close to Château Latour-Martillac (whose vines it
adjoins), has recovered its former glory The clay-limestone slope, surmounted by the village church, is planted with 70% Merlot vines. The rest are divided between Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The sun exposure and excellent natural drainage are ideal for ripening.”