A Story Rooted in Terroir

In front of Château de Bonbonnet and the surrounding countryside, particularly at Moulin de Fanaud, nearly 9,000 juniper trees have been planted in recent years. The majority of our plots are certified organic, reflecting our commitment to environmentally responsible agricultural practices. These trees, which reach full maturity after about ten years, offer berries rich in aromas. At Moulin de Fanaud, we also have wild juniper trees, some of which are several decades old.

The Charentes climate and soil give these berries their own identity, with subtle and balanced flavors. October marks the beginning of the harvest. Ripe berries are carefully picked to prevent them from falling to the ground, while still-green fruits are left for future seasons.

The Ingredient at the Heart of Citadelle

The juniper berry harvest in front of Château de Bonbonnet symbolizes a deep connection with the Charentes terroir and its riches. These carefully harvested berries are distinguished by their smoothness and unique aromatic notes. Less resinous than those from other regions, they are particularly suited for the production of fine spirits.

A Meeting of Tradition and Expertise

The infusion of these berries for our gin combines traditional techniques with modern innovations. Among these techniques, progressive infusion plays a key role: this method, invented and patented by our founder and master distiller Alexandre Gabriel, involves adjusting the maceration time and alcohol content for each ingredient, particularly juniper berries. This approach allows for optimal extraction of each botanicals optimal aromatic characteristics.

An Adventure Rooted in Terroir

Through this meticulous work, an entire region expresses itself in every sip. The soil and climate directly influence the berries' maturity and the aromatic molecules they develop, giving those from Château de Bonbonnet and its surroundings a particularly interesting roundness and complexity: fresher, more floral, and less resinous.

"The berries picked at Bonbonnet have a particularly interesting roundness and aromatic complexity: fresher, more floral, less intense in terms of turpentine like, resinous, pine notes. They are also more supple in organoleptic terms." - Fannie Thibaud – Research and Creation Manager

Although we are fully invested in the local cultivation of juniper berries, we are not yet entirely self-sufficient to meet all the production needs of Citadelle Gin.

Growing juniper requires time: respecting natural cycles, perfecting our expertise, and supporting each step of this demanding agriculture. We have chosen to take this path because we are committed to increasingly mastering our raw materials and staying close to the land that produces them.

It is in this spirit that we built our orangerie, where we grow citrus fruits and orange trees to complement the juniper. Few producers can produce these essential botanicals themselves, but for us, it's obvious: moving at our own pace to create with sincerity and respect what makes up the soul of Citadelle. And it's for this attention to every detail that Citadelle was elected Best French Gin at the World Gin Awards.