Bellevue, Chateau
Summary
Château Bellevue is a 6.2-hectare Grand Cru Classé estate in Saint-Émilion, producing Merlot-dominant wines complemented by Cabernet Franc on the region's prized limestone plateau with clay soils that provide excellent drainage and exposure. Under the ownership of Hubert de Boüard de Laforest and Jean-Bernard Grenié since 2007, the estate combines traditional Saint-Émilion winemaking with modern precision through rigorous selective harvesting and careful oak maturation that preserves the distinctive character of its terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Bellevue stands as a Grand Cru Classé property in the Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux. The estate's modern history was shaped under the stewardship of the Hébrard family, who maintained ownership until 2007. That year marked a significant transition when Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, co-owner of Château Angélus, and his cousin Jean-Bernard Grenié acquired the property. This acquisition brought Bellevue under the guidance of one of Saint-Émilion's most established winemaking families, with de Boüard's expertise as a consulting oenologist bringing additional technical knowledge to the estate. The property has maintained its Grand Cru Classé status through the rigorous Saint-Émilion classification system, reflecting its consistent quality and historical significance within the appellation.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Bellevue encompasses approximately 6.2 hectares of vineyards situated on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion. This location provides the estate with the region's characteristic limestone and clay soils, particularly valued for growing Merlot. The vineyard composition favors Merlot as the dominant variety, complemented by Cabernet Franc plantings. This varietal mix aligns with the traditional Right Bank approach, where Merlot thrives in the clay-limestone terroir. The estate's position on the Saint-Émilion plateau offers excellent drainage and exposure, contributing to consistent grape ripening. The property's limited size allows for attentive vineyard management across its holdings, with each parcel receiving individualized care according to its specific soil composition and exposure.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking at Château Bellevue balances traditional Saint-Émilion methods with modern precision. Under the technical direction established following the 2007 ownership change, the estate implements selective harvesting practices, with grapes sorted both in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vessels, allowing for careful extraction of color and tannin structure. The maturation program typically involves aging in French oak barrels, a portion of which are new each vintage, providing the wine with structural elements while respecting the fruit character. The relatively small production volume enables a detail-oriented approach throughout the winemaking process, from harvest decisions through the final blending sessions. This methodical attention extends to every bottle bearing the Château Bellevue name, maintaining the property's position among Saint-Émilion's classified growths.