Château de Tustal

The Château de Tustal is a historic château and wine estate located in the commune of Sadirac, in the Gironde department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwestern France, in the Entre-deux-Mers area.

The site has been known since the 16th century. The oldest part of the present building dates from 1614 (an échauguette bears this date). The main structure is of the 17th century; the first courtyard was closed in the 18th century and a second courtyard was added in the 19th century, both enclosed by outbuildings (communs). The principal logis is a large rectangular building with two small wings at right angles on the courtyard side, continued by the commons; the rear façade is flanked by two square pavilions. The ensemble is completed by square towers.

The gardens surrounding the château include a large kitchen and fruit garden to the north, preceded by an old hornbeam walk (charmille), a formal terrace garden overlooking the valley, and a woodland containing a nymphaeum (nymphée) and a stretch of water.

Formerly the barony of Calamiac, the estate was purchased in 1791 by the wealthy Bordeaux shipowner Bernard Journu-Auber for 250,000 livres tournois. He attempted, without lasting success, to raise merino sheep whose wool was intended for French military uniforms. In the early 20th century the property belonged to the politician Jacques Piou, mayor of Sadirac. It is now owned by the Count and Countess d’Armaillé.

The château, its wings, interiors, commons, courtyards, entrance portal, gardens, terrace, nymphaeum and woodland with pond were inscribed in their entirety as a Monument historique on 16 December 2008. It remains a private residence and working wine estate.