Château Pontête Bellegrave
Saint-Germain du Puch | BordeauxLocated across the Dordogne from the village of Fronsac, the appellation of Graves de Vayres is historically renowned for its silky, full-flavored wines. The region’s unique, sandy terroir is what gives wines their fine-grained texture, a characteristic that is expressed fully in Pontête Bellgrave’s elegant, silky blend.
This garrison and chateau in Saint-Germain du Puch has since the 16th century been involved with vines and winemaking. In 2004, the de la Rivière family purchased the estate and went about renovating the cellar and farming sustainably.
Today this native Bordeaux family has moved on to the next generation of passion and talent; winemaker Jean-Christophe Pleuvry, former winemaker Bruno de la Riviere’s son-in-law, has a catching enthusiasm for the land and for Grave de Vayres’ rich history.
This micro-domaine is proud to craft one perfect red blend that tells the story of Graves de Vayres so eloquently, in supple and silky tones of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
FARMING & WINEMAKING
The appellation of Graves de Vayres was often compared in the 19th century to the fine wines of Pomerol. This region, located not far from Fronsac on the west side of the Dordogne river, is characterized by a series of gravelly terraces that also have a high sand content. Sub-soils are almost exclusively gravel.
Vineyards are cared for sustainably, following organic practices as much as weather conditions permit. Vines are on average 40 years old, and are planted 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Grapes are destemmed and fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. Wines are aged in a mix of new (50%) and older French oak barrels for 12 months, in the estate’s 16th-century cellar.
RED WINES
Graves de Vayres
The appellation’s unique terroir combination of sand and gravel contribute to the wine’s fine-grained tannins and silky texture. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon — a Bordeaux red full of finesse and fresh fruit, an overachiever through and through.
- Download fact sheet (PDF)
Established: 2004
Winemaker: Jean-Christophe Pleuvry
Region: France • Bordeaux • Saint-Germain du Puch
Vineyard size: 32 acres
PRACTICING SUSTAINABLE FARMING (PDF)
