Beaumont, Chateau
Summary
Château Beaumont operates 113 hectares of vineyards on Günzian gravel soils in Haut-Médoc between Margaux and Saint-Julien, producing structured Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blends that reflect their strategic terroir position. Their plot-by-plot vineyard management approach and measured oak aging protocol (12-14 months with 30% new barrels) consistently deliver wines that balance power with elegance, earning them Cru Bourgeois Supérieur classification in 2020.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Beaumont was established in 1824 with the construction of its namesake château in the Haut-Médoc region of Bordeaux. The estate changed hands several times throughout its history before being acquired in 1986 by Grands Millésimes de France (GMF), a joint venture between Japanese beverage company Suntory and French wine group Castel. This partnership has provided stability and investment to the property over the past several decades. Prior to GMF's ownership, the estate was held by Société des Domaines Listel. The property is currently under the direction of Etienne Priou, who oversees operations, while Technical Director Etienne Charrier manages viticultural and winemaking activities. Under their guidance, Château Beaumont has solidified its position as a consistent producer in the Haut-Médoc appellation.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Beaumont's vineyards span 113 hectares (279 acres) in the Haut-Médoc appellation, strategically positioned between the communes of Margaux and Saint-Julien. The vineyard is planted on Günzian gravel soils overlying a clay-limestone base, a terroir that provides good drainage and heat retention beneficial for ripening. The estate's plantings consist of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot, a typical Médoc blend that capitalizes on the strengths of each variety. In the 2020 classification, Château Beaumont was designated a Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, recognizing its quality within this important Bordeaux category. The estate produces two main wines: its flagship Château Beaumont and a second wine, Les Tours de Beaumont, which offers earlier accessibility while maintaining the estate's character.
Philosophy & Practice
Château Beaumont employs a plot-by-plot approach to vineyard management, allowing for precise viticultural practices tailored to each parcel's specific needs. The estate holds High Environmental Value (HVE) certification, confirming its commitment to sustainable farming practices, including water conservation and biodiversity preservation throughout the property. Harvest is conducted both mechanically and manually, depending on the requirements of individual plots. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise fermentation management. The wines are aged for 12-14 months in oak barrels, with approximately 30% new oak, striking a balance between oak influence and fruit expression. This methodical approach to both viticulture and winemaking reflects Château Beaumont's focus on producing consistent, terroir-driven wines that express the character of their Haut-Médoc location.