In Saint Philippe d’Aiguilhe, a small village 13 km away from Saint Emilion, resides a hidden gem with a unique and romantic story: Château Ginkgo is a small producer operating in pursuit of perfection.
It was founded in 2015 by Risa Yurigusa, a Japanese woman who started studying wine in Bordeaux at age 21. After over a decade spent as a judge for international wine tastings whilst running a successful negotiant business, she purchased Château Ginkgo with the aim of making the best Bordeaux possible. It’s name is in homage to Goethe’s poetry, a symbol of love and friendship and of East meeting West.
Risa and her small team farm the 100% Merlot vines aged 35 years on average, with some over 80 years old. Organically certified in 2016, grapes are harvested by hand, fermented using wild yeasts before being aged for 15-18 months in 500L French oak barrels. The resulting wines balance concentration, minerality, acidity and umami.
It was founded in 2015 by Risa Yurigusa, a Japanese woman who started studying wine in Bordeaux at age 21. After over a decade spent as a judge for international wine tastings whilst running a successful negotiant business, she purchased Château Ginkgo with the aim of making the best Bordeaux possible. It’s name is in homage to Goethe’s poetry, a symbol of love and friendship and of East meeting West.
Risa and her small team farm the 100% Merlot vines aged 35 years on average, with some over 80 years old. Organically certified in 2016, grapes are harvested by hand, fermented using wild yeasts before being aged for 15-18 months in 500L French oak barrels. The resulting wines balance concentration, minerality, acidity and umami.
Pierre's story
During my visit to Bordeaux in April 2022, I met Risa Yurigusa by chance: our daughters happened to be classmates.
Risa told me the story of her wine project and how she’d acquired Château Ginkgo and invited me spend the weekend at the domain with the family. Located in the right bank not far from Saint Emilion, Chateau Ginkgo is composed of less than 3 hectares of extraordinary exposition and clay soil. I was immediately under the charm of this unique property, reminiscent of a Japanese garden, managed with such care and respect for nature.
In the cellar, Risa produces 10 to 12 barrels a year literally ageing her wines in old barrels in her backyard. The wine itself is a translation of Risa’s love and commitment to her vineyard, the freshness, texture and depth is amongst the best in Saint Emilion.
Privileged to have discovered this jewel, Vinosophy has been offered a yearly allocation of 300 bottles while Château Ginkgo’s main market, Japan, is begging for more.
Risa told me the story of her wine project and how she’d acquired Château Ginkgo and invited me spend the weekend at the domain with the family. Located in the right bank not far from Saint Emilion, Chateau Ginkgo is composed of less than 3 hectares of extraordinary exposition and clay soil. I was immediately under the charm of this unique property, reminiscent of a Japanese garden, managed with such care and respect for nature.
In the cellar, Risa produces 10 to 12 barrels a year literally ageing her wines in old barrels in her backyard. The wine itself is a translation of Risa’s love and commitment to her vineyard, the freshness, texture and depth is amongst the best in Saint Emilion.
Privileged to have discovered this jewel, Vinosophy has been offered a yearly allocation of 300 bottles while Château Ginkgo’s main market, Japan, is begging for more.
