established in 1565 by Bishop François of Foix-Candale, Beychevelle is considered one of the oldest châteaux in the Médoc. Today, the estate in the local Saint-Julien appellation belongs to the Japanese spirits group Suntory.
The vineyard covers a total of 250 hectares, of which around 90 hectares are planted. The vines are on average 30 years old and are planted at a density of up to 10,000 plants per hectare. The traditional Médoc grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon (52%), Merlot (40%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (3%) are cultivated.
The Gironde, visible from the château, regulates the temperatures, while the deep Garonne gravel from the Gunzian period provides the ideal soil, especially for the late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. "The return of the sun's heat at night and the drainage of excess rainwater allow the vines to thrive and the grapes to ripen perfectly. The resulting deep red wines are balanced and generous, offering vigour tempered by a silky texture."
The grapes are harvested by hand in the organically farmed vineyard. In the cellar, traditional methods meet modern technology. Vinification is carried out parcel by parcel in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks "to express the complexity and depth of each terroir."
photos: Château Beychevelle
