Author: La Grave Béchade

Wine plays a significant role in the history of Château La Grave Béchade.

The vineyards were already established on the estate during the construction of the mansion in 1876 by Mr. Abdon Bechade (1836/1897). At that time, cattle, horses, fruit trees, and market gardens complemented the agricultural life of the “lieudit La grave.”

The land became solely devoted to viticulture around the 1970s.

It was in the 1980s to 2000s that the wine reached its apex.

Significant work was undertaken to install the vat rooms and barrel cellars.

By combining the name of its builder and the postal address of the estate, the name we know today emerged.

The modernization of work techniques, better understanding of the soil, new winemaking methods following the production specifications linked to the appellations, and the creation of these labels contributed to the growth of these wines.

From this south-facing land, in the heart and colours of Duras, these fruity and harmonious wines are born under the name “Château La Grave Béchade,” thus creating its reputation. At that time, the estate had 120 hectares of vineyards and produced red, rosé, and dry white wines, which were often awarded numerous medals.

The grape varieties cultivated at the time are still the same: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Classified under the AOC Côte de Duras appellation, this appellation, labelled since 1937, has greatly enhanced the value and nobility of these wines over the past thirty years. However, it remains a relatively unknown appellation.

Since 2015, the estate has undergone an innovative transformation.

Mr. Burrus, owner of the French chocolate factory SCHAAL and already the purchaser of nurseries and hazelnuts in Guyenne, has been developing hazelnut cultivation in the north of Lot-et-Garonne through land acquisition. He has become the new owner of “Château La Grave Béchade.”

For the history and distinction of this fruit, he retains 25 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, grape varieties that produce this fruity red wine. He entrusts the winemaking and vinification to the cooperative cellar of Duras, “Berticot” (Instagram: Berticotgraman, Facebook: Berticot – Côtes de Duras).

While the cultivation is still managed by the estate, the cooperative perpetuates the quality and excellence of these wines, which received a silver medal this year for the 2018 vintage at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris (https://lagravebecahde.fr – see wine section).

Previously a private property, the estate is now open to the public with cellar visits and tastings of its wines and chocolates on the premises.

Additionally, vacation rentals, receptions, and seminars are now possible, allowing future customers to discover this well-preserved heritage. Furthermore, thanks to its wine, Château La Grave Béchade is part of oenotourism circuits such as “The Bergerac-Duras Wine Route,” “La Maison des Vins de Duras,” “Quai Cyrano in Bergerac,” and the “Interprofession des Vins de Bergerac/Duras (IVBD),” which is highly involved in the development of our appellation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BergeracDurasVins/.

We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to these wines at Château La Grave Béchade!

On Friday, March 10, 2020, we had the pleasure of welcoming the “Camping-Car Club Sud Motorhome” association to Château La Grave Béchade.

This Toulouse-based club, established in 2003, brings together nearly 400 members from twenty departments in the southwest of France. Its affiliation with the French Federation of Motorhome Associations and Clubs has allowed for collaborations with clubs in Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Thanks to a “discovery” tour of Lot-et-Garonne organized by Marie Gombao and the club’s treasurer, Alain Cazenave, the association members had the opportunity to visit our estate for a stopover. Around forty dynamic and friendly individuals had the pleasure of observing our cellars and tasting our wines and chocolates. It was a moment of conviviality and sharing that we remember fondly.

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Once the health crisis has passed, Château La Grave Béchade will be delighted to welcome groups again and showcase this unique heritage.

In the meantime, take good care of yourself and your loved ones.

During a promotional event for our wines at the “espace tourisme & vin” in Grand Pinheuil, Château La Grave Bechade meets Château Le Cléret.

Château Le Cléret is a beautiful estate located in Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt, 30 minutes from Baleyssagues, near Saint Foy la Grande. The property was purchased in 2013 by Mr. Simon Wongk, a wealthy businessman living in Hong Kong. He is particularly interested in the highly sought-after French wine for the Asian market. Classified as an AOC Bergerac appellation, he primarily positions his wine in numerous restaurants in his Chinese network. Over the course of two years, he has restored the estate. He meets Michèle & André Maréchal, who previously managed guesthouses in Gironde. Trust is established, and in 2015, he entrusts them with the responsibility of developing tourism for this estate, which offers furnished accommodations for up to 8 people.

Michèle is familiar with the region and has met many local producers at the splendid market of Sainte-Foy-La-Grande on Saturday mornings. With the aim of promoting proximity, some of them joined forces about ten years ago to create a direct network called “les bouyricous de Pellegrue.” The principle is to connect consumers and producers through email, social networks, and word of mouth. It’s a genuine way to consume local products without intermediaries. Michèle, as the coordinator, gradually includes new people and products based on her culinary discoveries. Our chocolate from “Yves Thuriès” has seduced her with its quality. Our products are presented, tasted, appreciated, and thus become known in our beautiful countryside.

You can also find:

Céline from “la ferme de Durège” for organic plants for your future garden,
Stéphanie from “ferme de Giraud” with her incredible saffron cultivation,
Philippe & Céline from “le Vallon de Guerry,” organic beef and pork farmers, and thalassotherapy guesthouse,
Lysiane with her organic dairy cows and the incredible taste of “château de Pis” milk,
Raphaëlle with her artisanal brewery, perfect for the upcoming summer,
Lisa and her bees for delicious honey,
Stephanie and her food truck “la réunion lé là”,
Johanna, Julien, and their goats at “la chèvrerie des cornes brunes”,
Sonia Baudin from “au pré des oies,” a goose farmer involved in foie gras production and preservation in Saint-André-et-Appelle 33220.

So… when competition becomes a partner, it’s a true pleasure to work together, with the aim of promoting our region, which is often overlooked, and remembering that “destroying competition is killing intelligence” Frédéric Bastiat (economist 1801-1850).

It all begins on Boulevard Jean Brisseau in Duras.

A little before 1990, the interprofessional association and the union of Duras wines joined forces. They openened this location and tailored it to their specific work needs. One side focuses on communication and market knowledge of the appellation, while the other ensures production compliance with the specifications and its evolution. This shared location with a reception desk, meeting rooms, and tasting laboratory facilitates their communication. They combine their strengths and determination to promote this appellation. Thus begins the story of “la maison des vins de Duras.”

Around the 2000s, the wine trade is booming. They wish to expand. They purchase and build at Fonratière, 130, route du Stade in Duras. They envision something grand, something modern.

Unaware that a decade later the wine market would become more complex and this appellation would lose its momentum, they seek solutions. From 2012/2015, as the union seeks independence, the two interprofessional associations of Bergerac and Duras merge.

Thus, the IVBD is born, the interprofessional association of Bergerac Durac wines.

Some divergences arise between the structures. After nearly a decade of collaboration, the COVID-19-related lockdown definitively ends this alliance. The IVBD withdraws from the boutique. Unable to bear the financial burden alone, the union of Duras wines closes its doors in March 2020.

Denis Vuillen, owner of Domaine de Ferrant, reacts, convenes a meeting, and suggests the idea of involving winemakers to save this country house boutique. 25 respond to the call: Domaine de Laplace, Domaine du Mont Ramé, Château Grand Pierre, Domaine des Allégrets, Domaine Les Bertins Manfé, Château Bois Clair, Domaine de dame Bertrande, Domaine D’Eybro, Château Faurie, Domaine de Ferrant, Domaine du Grand Mayne, Château Haut la Vigne, Domaine de Laulan, Vignobles Mauro Guicheney, Château Molhière, Domaine Moulin de Paillo, Domaine Mouthes Le Bihan, Domaine du Petit Loubès, Clos du Petit Sainte Foy, Domaine de Prévot, Domaine de la Tuilerie Labreille, Domaine du Vieux Bourg, Domaine les Vignes d’Arnaud, Domaine du Verdier, and Château La Grave Béchade.

In the presence of Madame Dreux, president of the community of communes, and Monsieur Pierre Camani, departmental counselor of Lot-et-Garonne, Denis Vuillen, initiator and manager of this new venture, along with all the winemakers who responded, we were delighted to listen to the inaugural speeches for its reopening on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

The dynamism and determination of an appellation have come together to ensure the continuity of this place…

Find Khadija at the reception of the Maison des vins de Duras, from 10 AM to 1 PM and from 3 PM to 7 PM, Monday to Saturday, depending on the season.

For information: +33 5 53 94 13 48
Email: mdvduras@gmail.com

On Saturday, October 24, 2020, Mr. Burrus, Shareholder, Mr. de Bretagne, President, and Mr. David Lançon, Director, celebrated the inauguration of the “hazelnut processing facility” under challenging sanitary conditions. Every effort was made to introduce us to this incredible new production tool.

It all began with the purchase of the pépinières (nurseries) and the Guyenne hazelnut orchards in 2001 from Mr. Beylard.

These 80 hectares of hazelnut trees were planted by the agronomist to conduct experiments in the northern part of Lot-et-Garonne, in Baleyssagues. The village is ideally located in the heart of the Dropt Valley, with an ecosystem ideal for high-quality production.

In December 2014, Mr. Burrus continued to enhance this fruit production and acquired Château La Grave Béchade, which was solely a vineyard at that time.

This 120-hectare estate adjacent to PNG (Pépinières et Noisetiers de Guyenne) began its transformation. 26 hectares of vineyards were retained, while the rest was converted into hazelnut orchards. To date, the orchard consists of 380 hectares of certified fruit trees with high environmental value (HVE), validated by the Ocacia organization of the National Environmental Certification Commission (CNCE) since April 2020. These orchards are spread across the municipalities of Baleyssagues, le Puy, Taillecavat, including 200 hectares currently in production. This represents a production of over 400 tons of nuts weighing between 2 and 4 grams. Various varieties are cultivated.

Nut varieties: Corabel, Ennis, Feriale
Mixed varieties: Tonda di Goffoni, Fertile de Coutard
Varieties for chocolatiers: Pauetet, Segorbe, Lewis

These varieties have a fragrant ivory-white flesh and a high yield ranging from 43% to 48% upon cracking. The “Tonda di Giffoni” variety, with the same production and flavor characteristics, produces larger-sized hazelnuts. Pollinating varieties such as Buttler, Merveille de Bollwiller, Jemtegaard, and Ferwiller are specifically used for the nursery.

The nursery constitutes a significant part of its activity. It provides its own plant replenishment and generates numerous sales due to the strong development of hazelnuts in the southwest region as well as throughout France. This allows for diversification of a local crop, as the plum trees were once the region’s main source of wealth but are no longer in demand. It also offers other farmers, such as cereal growers, winegrowers, or livestock farmers, complementary production options.

PNG provides young plants, technical support, and all the necessary follow-up for this cultivation. Its unique purpose is to Cultivate/Operate/Transform/Accompany/Market hazelnuts. Previously a member of the hazelnut cooperative “Unicoque,” PNG became independent in spring 2020. Significant changes, planned and considered in advance, have been implemented since this transition, as noted by the Sud-Ouest newspaper.

In a continued spirit of innovation, company development, and regional valorization, PNG has installed these new structures. A receiving and washing station, as well as ovens, enable services such as shell stabilization and drying, while a calibration station classifies and sorts the nuts according to international standards.

And since Saturday, October 24, 2020, with the installation by Innovanuts and Tomra, “la casserie,” its new hazelnut processing site, which mechanically shells the nuts, adds a high-quality service and traceability for its future clients.

Pépinières et Noisetiers de Guyenne and its sister company La Grave Béchade together constitute the largest hazelnut producer in France, one of the top five in Europe. With the best practices in the hazelnut chain, they offer high-quality French production.

We are proud to announce that our 25 hectares of vineyards are now HVE3 certified.

Following the audits conducted during the spring, the organization Ocacia, accredited by the National Commission for Environmental Certification, has validated the highest environmental value for our vineyards. Level 3 is an innovative tool for measuring practices that assesses the agro-ecological performance of the entire operation.

Over the next three years, Château La Grave Béchade will be undergoing organic conversion for a future “organic” vintage in 2023.

OAK AGING – 12 months

Cuvée “Excellence” – 2012 vintage
70% Merlot – 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vermilion colour with ruby
Complex nose with ripe fruit and spice notes
Full-bodied with a lot of sweetness, fine and silky tannins
Persistent finish, well-balanced with slight woody notes

Cuvée “Prestige” – 2015 vintage
100% Merlot
Dark red colour
The nose reveals aromas of red fruits, vanilla, spices, and toast.
Concentrated and full-bodied, this wine has a solid structure with a smooth character.

Cuvée “Prestige” – 2018 vintage
12% Merlot – 88% Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep and dense red colour
The nose is filled with complex aromas of chocolate, licorice, toasted bread, cherry, and blackberry.
Rich and voluminous on the palate, smooth and elegantly supported by well-dosed oak and velvety tannins.
A devilishly charming Côtes de Duras.

TRADITIONAL VINIFICATION

Cuvée “La Grave Béchade” – 2014 vintage
85% Merlot – 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Beautiful carmine colour
Powerful and woody nose with red fruit notes.
Ample and clear on the palate with pronounced fresh red fruit flavours. (as above)
Short and harmonious finish with 100% fruit expression.
Discover “Cuvée des Compagnons” – 2014 vintage
85% Merlot – 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Rustic, traditional, and authentic packaging.

For more information:

MERLOT is a red grape variety with small black grapes that appeared in the late 18th century. Its preferred terroir is located in cool, clay-limestone soils. With its dark and dense colour, aromas of red and black fruits, and a superb aromatic palette, Merlot transforms during aging, revealing notes of prunes, undergrowth, and spices. It has a supple mouthfeel with refined tannins. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is no longer exclusive to Bordeaux; it is now vinified worldwide.

CABERNET-SAUVIGNON is a major red grape variety both in terms of acreage (the second most planted grape) and quality. It expresses itself fully in warm, sandy-gravelly soils. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are small with thick skins. This skin protects it from rot and spring frosts before harvest. It ripens later than the Merlot grape, which is often harvested before Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon brings power, structure, and complexity to the wine, which becomes apparent after a few years of aging. With its aromatic richness of black fruits, violets, and raspberries, it produces distinguished wines known for their persistence on the palate.

VIDOC (15%) is a new, second-generation resistant grape variety resulting from a cross between the Muscadinia rotundifolia and Regent grapes, created by Alain Bouquet. It is a productive

CABERNET FRANC is one of the oldest red grape varieties from Bordeaux. Wines produced from Cabernet Franc have a medium color with fine tannins and subtle aromas of red berries and spices. When blended with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it imparts complexity and a bouquet of aromas to the wine. It ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing it to be grown further north, even in the Loire Valley. In Anjou, it is also used to produce sweet rosé wines.

Discover the « LA GRAVE BECHADE » AOP côte de Duras vintage

White wine from the 2019 vintage.

100% Sauvignon Blanc grape variety.

Alcohol content: 12.50% vol.

Traditional winemaking, aged for 9 months in oak barrels.

It has a beautiful golden yellow colour with sparkling reflections. This oak-aged wine reveals spicy and mineral notes. Its richness and fullness add charm to this excellent cuvée with well-integrated oak flavours.

Serve at 10°C, perfect for aperitifs, white meats, and fish.

Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc and Gray

Sauvignon Blanc (or Sauvignon Blanc)? is a French grape variety (Vitis vinifera) that is widely grown in France and around the world. There is a variant with pinkish grapes called Sauvignon Gris. It shares the same characteristics, with minor differences in its ability to produce sweet or dessert wines.

Young Sauvignon Blanc wines have a distinctive aroma, quite different from other grape varieties. The main descriptors include broom, boxwood, blackcurrant bud, grapefruit, passion fruit, and in some cases, smoke, roasted meat, or flint.

On January 30, 1876, Victor Hugo was elected as a senator.

On March 7, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received the patent for the invention of the telephone.

On June 8, 1876, the writer Georges Sand, lover of Alfred de Musset and later Frédéric Chopin, passed away. She was the author of over 70 novels.

On August 7, 1876, Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, better known as Mata Hari, was born. She was a dancer, courtesan, German spy, and double agent, later sentenced to death and executed on October 15, 1917.

Château La Grave Béchade was born during the Third Republic (1870-1940).

At that time, Jules Dufaure (February 23, 1876 – December 3, 1876) was the head of the government.

In the late 19th century, the Empire style adorned interiors. Spread throughout Europe, it was inspired by classical and military trends. The fusion of these two influences created grand and elaborate interiors. Dark gilded wood surfaces and robust, dynamic fabrics dominated the era.

Paintings born out of Impressionism, an artistic movement created by a group of artists in the second half of the 19th century in France (Édouard Manet, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, etc.), enriched these luxurious interiors. Shortly thereafter, Symbolism (1886-1900), an artistic movement in literature, painting, sculpture, and music, influenced Europe in the late 19th century (Gustav Klimt, Gustave Moreau, Gaston…).

We would like to thank the sommelier school in Tain-L’Hermitage for their tasting feedback.

The “Prestige” 2015 vintage – 75 cl red wine, and the “La Grave Béchade” 2019 vintage – 75 cl white wine, were submitted to the discerning palates of these talented future sommeliers.