Chateau Bellegrave, Pauillac, Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau Bellegrave, Pauillac, with wine tasting notes, wine and food pairing tips. Learn all the best vintages, a history of the property, information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Bellegrave History, Overview

The modern era begins when the vineyard was purchased by the Meffre family from the previous owners, the Van der Voot family in 1997. Prior to that sale, the Van der Voot family owned the vineyard since they purchased it back in 1901 when they bought the property from Armand Roux.

Over the years, Chateau Bellegrave has had its ups and downs. And at one point in time, due to sales, lack of financing, and other various issues, the property consisted of only 1.5 hectares of vines.

By the time the Meffre family bought the estate, they were experienced as vineyard owners as they already possessed Chateau du Glana in the neighboring St. Julien appellation. Today, Chateau Bellegrave is managed by Julien Meffre and his brother, Ludovic Meffre. Aside from their vineyards, the property includes attractive, verdant parkland and gardens.

Chateau Bellegrave Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 8.3-hectare vineyard of Chateau Bellegrave is planted to 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. The vines are maintained at a density of 8,300 plants per hectare. On average, the vines are 25 years of age.

The Left Bank vineyard is situated in 3 different blocks in various, non-contiguous, different gravel terroirs. Their best parcels are located inland, close to Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste. Although the actual chateau is placed situated on the D2, Route de Medoc, not too far from Chateau Lynch Bages.

To produce the wine of Chateau Bellegrave, vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged in an average of 40% new, French oak barrels for about 12 months, before bottling. There is a second wine. Les Sieurs de Bellegrave. In most years, the production is slightly more than 4,000 cases of wine per vintage.

The best vintages of Chateau Bellegrave are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2005 and 2000.

When to Drink Chateau Bellegrave, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Bellegrave needs just a little time in the cellar before it is truly ready to drink. Young vintages can be decanted for at least 1-2 hours, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Bellegrave is usually better with at least 3-5 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Bellegrave should offer its best drinking and reach peak maturity between 7-15 years after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Bellegrave with Wine and Food Pairings

Chateau Bellegrave is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Chateau Bellegrave is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised and grilled dishes. Chateau Bellegrave is also good when matched with Asian dishes, rich fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.

http://www.chateau-bellegrave.com