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!
