A GRAND CASTLE, YET DISCREET
In the heart of the Saint-Emilion plateau
If theChâteau Bellevue-Mondotteborders the plateau ofSaint-EmilionFor many centuries, it has always remained very discreet. It was only at the end of the 20th century that the owner of Château Pavie became aware of the estate's potential. The property was then acquired byGérard Perse, in order to restore the reputation of this jewel nestled among the behemoths of the plateau ofSaint-EmilionThis geographical location is indeed among the most prestigious of French vineyards. Rightly nicknamed the plateau of a thousand châteaux, it sees the birth of increasingly prestigious wines each year.
THE TERROIR OF BORDEAUX'S GREATEST CHÂTEAUS
An ideal geographical location
Located on the Saint-Émilion plateau and, consequently, within the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, Château Bellevue-Mondotte enjoys optimal geographical conditions. The soil, composed of limestone with asterias fossils and red and brown clay, allows for perfect natural drainage. The vines, planted with Merlot (90%), Cabernet Franc (5%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), cover 2.5 hectares. The vineyard's small size partly explains its discreet presence. Nevertheless, its south-facing exposure allows the vines to benefit from optimal sunshine without being exposed to harsh weather.
An extraordinary expertise
A team of experts dedicated to crafting a unique wine
"Rigour," "passion," and "attention" are the watchwords that the Château Pavie team has adopted to oversee the Château Bellevue-Mondotte vineyard. Viticulture is carried out under the direction of Philippe Develay. Green harvesting is practiced to maintain a high level of berry quality. Leaf removal takes place twice a year, the first time at the beginning of June and the second at the end of August, so that the vines can benefit from maximum sunshine. The harvest is done by hand. The grapes undergo alcoholic fermentation in vats for a maximum of five weeks. This is followed by malolactic fermentation in barrels. Fermentation on fine lees in oak barrels lasts for six months. The blending process takes place at the end, without fining or filtration. The average aging period for Château Bellevue-Mondote wines is 24 months. The result is wines of great finesse. The impact the Château Pavie team has had on the quality of the wine and the Château's reputation is undeniable.
