Château Bellevue

The history of Château Bellevue

The history of Château Bellevue dates back to the 17th century. At that time, the Fief de Bellevue belonged to the Lacaze family. The beautiful view that gave the château its name corresponds to the breathtaking panorama over the Dordogne valley.

Château Bellevue had several owners over the centuries, before being purchased in 1938 by the de Conink and Pradel de Lavaux families. This transaction was bitterly resented by the owner of the neighboring estate, Maurice de Boüard de Laforest, head of the famous Château Angelus.

Almost 70 years later, in 2007, de Boüard de Laforest's descendants fulfilled their ancestor's dream by purchasing half of Château Bellevue. In 2000, Nicolas Nicolas Thienpont - assisted by Stéphane Derenoncourt - was appointed head of the estate. He undertook work to improve drainage, maintain the soil and restructure the vineyard, replacing many of the vines. The new manager also introduced biodynamic processes.

The Château Bellevue vineyard

The Château Bellevue vineyard covers 6.82 hectares in a single block. The grape varieties are all Merlot. The average age of the vines is 40 years, and annual production is 20,000 bottles.

The estate occupies one of Saint Émilion's finest terroirs, rubbing shoulders with some of the greatest Premiers Grands Crus Classés (Beauséjour Bécot, Beauséjour Duffau-Lagarosse and Château Angélus), as well as enjoying exceptional views. The highest point of the parcels is 75 meters above sea level, with excellent south and south-west exposure.

The soil is clay-limestone, becoming increasingly chalky as you approach the top of the hillside, while becoming increasingly sandy towards the lower part. This varied range of subsoils is an asset for making a noble, complex wine.

Château Bellevue's 2.5-hectare park contains numerous Mediterranean and Atlantic species, contributing to the estate's biodiversity, which benefits the vines.

Château Bellevue's vineyards are managed in the most natural way possible. The vines are traditionally grown. They grow on soil that is partly grassed, avoiding the need for phytosanitary treatments. The grapes are harvested by hand. The grapes are sorted at harvest time, then in the winery. Only the most beautiful fruits are kept, taking into account their ripeness.

The Château Bellevue wine

Château Bellevue offers a unique eponymous wine, classified Grand Cru Saint Émilion.

The wine offers remarkable aromatic complexity. It is characterized by its power and complexity. The nose is fruity, with flavors that differ from vintage to vintage: intense red fruit, crushed strawberry, exotic wood or vanilla.

The attack on the palate is frank and round, as are the full-bodied tannins, backed by a robust structure. The finish is long and intense.