Château Malartic Lagravière is one of only six estates where both red and white wines were included in the Graves classification (1953). Since its foundation in the 18th century, it has been run by four families. It has been in the hands of the Bonnie family since 1997. Initially Alfred-Alexandre and Michèle were at the helm, today their son Jean-Jacques Bonnie is co-owner.
Over the past 25 years, the estate and winery have been restored and renovated and former vineyards have been bought back. The Bonnies have also started organic farming.
As with all ambitious châteaux, the focus is clearly on the potential of each individual parcel, "to get the best out of each micro-terroir. It is this lively mosaic that gives the wines of Malartic Lagravière their special brilliance and depth."
Harvesting and selection are of course carried out by hand. In the cellar, everything moves gently by gravity instead of pumping. "The maceration time is rather short in order to preserve the suppleness and tannin quality of the must. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation takes place in vats before the wine is matured in barrels." Around 60 % new wood is used for the 18-month ageing process. The cellar holds up to 1,200 barriques. Another cellar with 200 barrels is reserved for the white wines.
© Photos: Château Malartic-Lagravière
