Chateau La Graviere Lalande de Pomerol Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau La Graviere Lalande de Pomerol with wine tasting notes, wine, and food pairing tips, 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 La Graviere History, Overview

Chateau La Graviere in the Lalande de Pomerol appellation has been owned by the Pere Verge family since 1985 when the property was bought by Catherine Pere Verge.

At the original time of the purchase, the vineyard was closer to only 2 hectares of vines. Subsequent purchases increased the estate to its current 7-hectare size.

The Pere Verge family also count among their chateau holdings, three well-known estates in Pomerol, Chateau Le Gay, Chateau La Violette, and Chateau Montviel. The family also owns Monteviejo, which is situated in Mendoza Argentina.

The vineyards of Monteviejo are located in Clos de Los Siete, in the Mendoza appellation. All the estates are now ably managed and controlled by the son of Catherine Pere Verge, Henri Parent.

Chateau La Graviere Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 7.5 hectare Right Bank vineyard of Chateau La Graviere is planted to 92% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. The terroir is mostly gravel and clay soils.

As I mentioned, the vines are old. On average, much of the vineyard is close to 50 years of age. The vineyard is situated in Neac, not far from the border of Pomerol and close to Chateau Rouget.

To produce the wine of Chateau La Graviere, the wine is vinified using micro vinification techniques. The wine is then aged in 50% new, French oak barrels for 12 to 15 months before bottling. There is a second wine, Moulin de La Graviere.

Interestingly, the majority of the production at the estate is actually placed in the second wine, Moulin de La Graviere. Now, that is what I call a serious commitment to producing the best, quality wine possible, as that takes place in every vintage.

On average, the total production at Chateau La Graviere is close to 4,000 cases of wine per year. Michel Rolland acts as the consultant.

The best vintages of Chateau La Graviere are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009 and 2005.

When to Drink Chateau La Graviere, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau La Graviere is better with at least 1-3 years of aging in good vintages. Young vintages can be decanted for up to 1 hour, helping the wine soften to help develop the aromatic character.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau La Graviere offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 2-8 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau La Graviere with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

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

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

www.montviel.com