Château Beychevelle

Château Beychevelle, a superb estate with magnificent gardens, is one of the most prestigious growths in the Saint-Julien appellation, located on the Left Bank of the Bordeaux region. More radiant than ever, the estate now boasts a new state-of-the-art winery designed by architect Arnaud Boulain.

History of the Estate

The name Beychevelle comes from ‘baisse voile’ or ‘lower the sails’ – a nod to the chateau’s owner at the turn of the 17^th century, the First Duke of Epernon, whose reputation was so great that ships would lower their sails on passing his estate as a sign of respect and allegiance.

Rebuilt in 1757 by the Marquis de Brassier, enlarged by the Heine family and then the Achille-Fould family dynasty until 1986, the château never ceases to amaze its visitors, whether by its vineyards or its living spaces.

Today, Château Beychevelle belongs to Grands Millésimes de France, owned by the Castel and Suntory groups and represented by Mr Nobuhiro Torii.

The Terroir

Among the 250 hectares of the estate, Château Beychevelle looks after 90 hectares of vines with a typically Médoc grape variety: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.

The vines, which are on average 30 years old and planted at high densities of between 8,300 and 10,000 vines per hectare, have developed extensive root systems that enable them to draw nutrients from deep within the soil, and also to cope with sometimes difficult climatic conditions, such as summer droughts.

Beychevelle’s unique terroir is due to the immediate proximity of the Gironde, which regulates and protects the climate. The heart of the vineyard lies on two plateaux of deep Garonne gravel dating from the Güntz era, on the banks of the Gironde, the ideal terroir for Cabernet Sauvignon.

By absorbing the sun’s heat during the night and draining excess rainwater, the vines find ideal conditions for ripening their grapes. The resulting wines are deep red, well-balanced and generous, both silky and powerful.

The Wines

Château Beychevelle has always reflected the elegance and finesse of Saint-Julien’s great terroirs. Gracious, complex and richly aromatic, Château Beychevelle is made from the best plots in the vineyard and is the result of a rigorous selection process. Château Beychevelle wines are built to age, and develop superbly over the years. It will reveal its full potential after around ten years and can be kept for several decades, depending on the vintage.

An exceptional wine, the style of Château Beychevelle is defined by the consistency of its excellent quality vintages. Powerful, full-bodied and structured, they express the finesse of the great Saint-Julien terroir with elegance.