Rochebelle, Chateau
Summary
Chateau Rochebelle is a small family-owned Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé estate spanning just 3 hectares on the limestone plateau, where the Fanier family produces Merlot-dominant wines from mineral-rich, limestone-clay soils. Their traditional approach combines hand-harvesting and temperature-controlled fermentation with French oak aging, resulting in wines that authentically express the classic character and elegant structure that define this historic Bordeaux appellation.
Heritage & Leadership
Chateau Rochebelle is a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé property located on the right bank of Bordeaux. The estate has been owned and managed by the Fanier family since they acquired it in the late 20th century. The property sits on the limestone plateau of Saint-Emilion, positioning it among the classified growths of this prestigious appellation. While maintaining a relatively low profile compared to some of its neighbors, Chateau Rochebelle has steadily focused on quality production under the family's direction.
Vineyards & Wines
The Chateau Rochebelle vineyard encompasses approximately 3 hectares (7.4 acres) of prime Saint-Emilion terroir. The vineyard is situated on the limestone plateau and slopes of Saint-Emilion, benefiting from excellent drainage and mineral-rich soils typical of the appellation's best sites. The vineyard is predominantly planted with Merlot, complemented by smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc, adhering to the traditional right bank varietal composition. This planting strategy takes full advantage of the estate's terroir, where Merlot thrives in the limestone-clay soils. The property produces a Grand Vin that expresses the classic characteristics of Saint-Emilion.
Philosophy & Practice
At Chateau Rochebelle, winemaking follows traditional Saint-Emilion methods with careful attention to detail throughout the production process. Harvesting is conducted by hand to ensure only optimal fruit enters the winery. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats, allowing for precise extraction of color, tannin, and flavor compounds. The wine undergoes aging in French oak barrels, a practice that provides gentle oxidation and complexity to the final product. The estate's approach balances respect for traditional Bordeaux winemaking techniques with modern precision, resulting in wines that reflect their Saint-Emilion origin. Annual production remains limited due to the small size of the vineyard, allowing for focused attention on quality.