​​In 2007, after years of exploring vineyards across the globe, Caroline and Louis Mitjavile decided it was time to create something of their own. Many visits led nowhere—until they fell in love with Château Cadet. Two years later, they renamed it L’Aurage, marking the start of their own winemaking chapter, driven by a shared passion and a deep family heritage.

Louis is none other than the son of the charismatic François Mitjavile—a true pioneer, fiercely independent, and bold enough to challenge the established order of Saint-Émilion. Back in the 1970s, François made a discreet yet game-changing entrance into Bordeaux’s elite, through the back door of the now-famous Château Tertre Roteboeuf. Relying solely on his talent and vision, he rose to prominence in a tightly closed world. Before that, he had already made his mark as a winemaker for Thierry Manoncourt at Château Figeac.

For Louis, L’Aurage is the perfect playground to express his love for Merlot—the family’s signature grape. The estate is located in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, an extension of Saint-Émilion’s rolling hills, with 22 hectares of vines on a single block of clay-limestone soils. These soils naturally regulate water supply to the vines, protect them from stress, allow for longer ripening cycles, and give birth to wines that are richer, denser, and perfectly balanced.

While Bordeaux is home, Louis is often called upon to share his expertise in the Rhône and Languedoc. His guiding principle remains the same everywhere: to let the terroir speak and to present each wine at its very best.