Château Bellefont-Belcier
Château Bellefont-Belcier
#Ownership: History & Terroir
History of Château Bellefont-Belcier
Château Bellefont-Belcier is a wine estate steeped in history, rooted in the prestigious Saint-Émilion region on the south coast. Its history dates back to the late 18th century, when it was created by the powerful Bordeaux family. Count Louis-François de Belcier founded the vineyard at that time, and also built the château in the early 19th century. The name Bellefont refers to the many springs and "belles fontaines" (beautiful fountains) found near the surrounding clay-limestone slopes, contributing to the estate's identity and reputation.
Over the years, Château Bellefont-Belcier has had several notable owners. At the end of the 19th century, the Faure family took over the reins of the estate, bringing it recognition and success. At its peak in the late 19th century, the Château, owned by the Faure family, was recognized as one of the jewels in the crown of Bordeaux. Indeed, in 1892, the estate was even awarded a gold medal by the Ministry of Agriculture at the prestigious Concours Général Agricole in Paris, testifying to the exceptional quality of its wines. The château itself, built in the 19th century, remained intact for many years. However, in 1994, major works were undertaken to improve the quality of the wines produced on the estate, including a circular vat room which today constitutes one of the jewels of this property, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation. In 2006, a new era began for Château Bellefont-Belcier when it was elevated to the rank of Grand Cru Classé, a prestigious recognition of the exceptional quality of its wines and its unique terroir.
More recently, in 2017, the estate changed hands once again, this time under the ownership of Peter Kwok, bringing with him a modern and ambitious vision for the future of Château Bellefont-Belcier, respecting the different terroirs.
The terroir of Château Bellefont-Belcier
The terroir of Château Bellefont-Belcier is a true gem, characterized by its geological diversity and its privileged location on the Saint-Émilion limestone plateau. With a total surface area of 13.5 hectares, the vineyard is strategically located to make the most of its unique environment.
A distinctive feature of the terroir is the presence of a south-facing slope, where clay-limestone soils predominate. This combination of soils offers ideal conditions for vine-growing, providing efficient drainage, adequate water retention and a mineral structure conducive to healthy vines and grape quality. Moving down the slope towards the foot of the hill, the soils evolve towards a sandy-clay composition. This transition in soil types adds a further dimension to the diversity of the terroir, offering the vines varied growing conditions that are reflected in the aromatic palette and structure of the wines produced.
The southern exposure of the hillside also enables the vines to benefit fully from the sunshine, favoring optimal ripening of the grapes and contributing to the concentration of aromas and flavors in the berries.
The Château Bellefont-Belcier vineyard
The estate always adjusts harvest dates according to the vintage, while the harvest plan is adapted according to the ripeness of the grapes. Once the grapes have been meticulously sorted, they are transferred to concrete tanks. Tasting guides the selection of the day for running off and pressing the pomace. Vatting lasts around 30 days, then the juices are transferred to barrels, where malolactic fermentation begins. Once maturation is complete, the wines are bottled at the Château.
#ESTATE WINES : Appellations and Cuvées
The Saint-Émilion appellation
The Saint-Émilion appellation, located on the right bank of the Bordeaux region, is renowned for its high-quality wines, characterized by elegance, richness and complexity. This prestigious wine-growing region is renowned for its clay-limestone soils and climate, which are ideal for growing the Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties that give Saint-Émilion wines their distinctive character. For centuries, the winegrowers of this appellation have striven to perpetuate ancestral traditions and know-how, while embracing innovation to produce wines that reflect the very essence of their unique terroir.
Château Bellefont-Belcier cuvées
Within the estate, two distinct wines are produced, each with its own unique character and identity.
Château Bellefont-Belcier Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
Les Tours de Belcier Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Château Bellefont-Belcier, a Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé, seduces with notes of blackcurrant, cherry and white pepper, while its texture on the palate is marked by remarkable finesse and density, dominated by 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. For its part, Les Tours de Belcier, a Saint Emilion Grand Cru, reveals an intense, attractive purple color, highlighting aromas of blueberry, redcurrant, plum and ripe blackcurrant. This wine, 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, is perfectly balanced on the palate, living up to the estate's reputation for quality.
Top vintages of Château Bellefont-Belcier 2009, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023
Château Bellefont-Belcier Saint-Émilion grand cru 2006
#IN BRIEF: Figures
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation : Saint-Émilion
Surface area : 13.5 Hectares (100% Red)
Red grape varieties : 72% Merlot, 17% Cabarnet franc, 11% Cabarnet-Sauvignon
Vine cultivation : Reasoned