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History
Chateau beychevelle, a prestigious cru classe whose character has been forged by three centuries of history… Nowhere does the word chateau in its noblest sense ring as true as it does at Beychevelle. The elegance of its classical architecture makes it a jewel in the crown of the Medoc, coveted since its creation by the powerful families who have successively marked the economic, political and cultural life of Bordeaux and the region.Under Henri Ⅲ, Beychevelle was the fief of the Dukes of Epernon, particularly the first of them: Jean-louis Nogaret de la valette this Admiral and Governor of Guyenne was all-powerful; according to legend, the boats that passed before his chateau had to lower their sails as a sign of allegiance. Hence the name “Baisse-Voile” (lowering of sails), which was to become Beychevelle, and the emblem of the chateau, the ship with a prow in the shape of a griffin guarding Dionysus’ cellar. Built in the 17th century, reconstructed by the Marquis de Brassier in 1757 and extended by the Heine family at the end of the 19th century, Chateau Beychevelle has recently been restored to its original splendor. Classical in its lines, the imposing facade, topped with a majestic triangular pediment and with wings on each side, is embellished with volutes and vases that give it an exuberantly baroque appearance. Today owned by Grands Millesimes de France (AZUR-GMF and Suntory groups), Chateau Beychevelle offers a unique setting for the organization of prestigious events.
Nowadays’ owner: Grands Millésimes de France (GMF) & Suntory Group
President: Aymar de Baillenx
Technique Information
Location: The estate lies at the south-eastern tip of the St Julien commune, close to the town of Beychevelle, with near neighbours including Chateau St Pierre and Chateau Gloria, immediately opposite Château Branaire-Ducru.
Appellation: Appellation Saint-Julien Controlee
Neighboring Chateau: Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou(2nd Growth of Saint-Julien in 1855)
Chateau Branaire-Ducru(4th Growth of Saint-Julien in 1855)
Chateau Saint Pierre(4th Growth of Saint-Julien in 1855)
Chateau Gloria
Acreage: 250 hectares of which 90 planted with vines
Soil: deep Garonne Gravel
Grape Varieties: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Average age of vines: 25 years
Cultivation density: 10,000vines / hectare
Viticulture: Harvest by hand
Winemaking: Fermentation is temperature controlled, staying below 30ºC, and is followed by a period of eighteen months in oak, of which 50% is new each year. The wine is fined but not filtered.
Yield: 40-55hl/ha
Brand: Chateau Beychevelle(First Wine)(A.O.C. Saint-Julien)
Amiral de Beychevelle(Second Label)(A.O.C. Saint-Julien)
Les Brulières de Beychevelle(Third Label)(A.O.C. Haut-Médoc)
Prestige de Grand Bateau(A.O.C. Bordeaux)
Grand Bateau(A.O.C. Bordeaux)
Annually production: 40 to 50,000 cases
Chateau Beychevelle(First Label): 25000 cases
Amiral de Beychevelle(Second Label): 12500 cases
Character:
Beychevelle, previously known as a very delicate smooth wine, has become richer and more full flavored due to more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend.
Best vintages: 2000, 2005, 2006
Awards: 2nd Grand Cru Classe in 1855 Saint-Julien
Website: www.beychevelle.com
Serving Suggestion
Cellar Humidity and Temperature: 75-85%, 15 ℃
Serving Temperature: 17-19 °C
Optimum Drinking and Ageing Potential: 10-20 years
Food match:
Western food: Roast lamb, gamebirds (partridge and pheasant), red meat, cheeses such as Gruyere, reblochon, etc, also can serve with all meat entrees and cheese dishes, stew, braised abalone, and lamb.
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