Bachelards, Chateau des
Summary
Château des Bachelards, a historic Beaujolais estate dating to 1100, manages 12 hectares across premier appellations (primarily Fleurie and Moulin-à-Vent) where 50-year-old Gamay vines thrive in distinctive granite and manganese-rich clay soils. Under Alexandra de Vazeilles' leadership since 2015, the estate honors its monastic heritage while embracing biodynamic practices, employing traditional methods like horse-drawn plowing and minimal-intervention winemaking that includes indigenous fermentation and thoughtful aging in concrete and neutral oak.
Heritage & Leadership
Château des Bachelards stands as one of the oldest estates in Beaujolais, established in 1100 by Benedictine monks. The property's monastic origins are reflected in its name, derived from "Bachelors," referring to young monks who tended the vineyards. After centuries of religious stewardship, the estate passed through various hands until 2015, when Alexandra de Vazeilles acquired the property. De Vazeilles, who holds a background in finance and a passion for viticulture, immediately initiated a comprehensive transformation of the estate. Under her direction, Château des Bachelards achieved both organic and biodynamic certification by 2017, becoming the first estate in Fleurie to hold both distinctions. The historic property includes a 12th-century chapel and stone buildings that connect the estate to its monastic past, while de Vazeilles has carefully renovated the winemaking facilities to align with modern standards.
Vineyards & Wines
Château des Bachelards encompasses 12 hectares of vineyards spread across multiple Beaujolais appellations, with significant holdings in Fleurie (6 hectares) and Moulin-à-Vent (4 hectares), plus smaller parcels in Saint-Amour and Morgon. The vineyards sit at elevations between 250 and 350 meters above sea level, with predominantly southern and southeastern exposures. The soils vary by plot but feature the region's characteristic pink granite, particularly in Fleurie, where it contributes to the wines' floral character. In Moulin-à-Vent, the soils contain higher concentrations of manganese and clay, lending structure to these wines. Gamay comprises 90% of plantings, with the remainder dedicated to Chardonnay. The estate's oldest vines date to the 1920s, with an average vine age of 50 years. The property produces a range of wines, including single-vineyard expressions from specific plots and a Fleurie "Clos des Bachelards" monopole that represents the estate's historical core.
Philosophy & Practice
Château des Bachelards operates under strict biodynamic principles, certified by Demeter since 2017, with all vineyard work following the biodynamic calendar. The estate employs horse-drawn plowing in select parcels to minimize soil compaction and maintains cover crops between rows to promote biodiversity. In the cellar, de Vazeilles implements a minimal intervention approach, using indigenous yeasts for fermentation and limiting sulfur additions. Red wines undergo varying levels of whole-cluster fermentation depending on the vintage and parcel, typically ranging from 30% to 100%. Aging protocols differ by wine: the estate-level wines mature in concrete tanks for 6-8 months, while premier cuvées age in used French oak barrels (3-5 years old) for 12-18 months. The estate bottles without fining or filtration when conditions permit. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery. This methodical approach reflects de Vazeilles' commitment to expressing the distinct terroirs of each appellation while honoring the estate's nine-century winemaking legacy.