Château Bel Air la Cour
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Château Bel Air La Cour, situated in Vayres, is a winegrowing estate steeped in family tradition. It produces red and white wines under the Graves de Vayres appellation, from a 25-hectare vineyard predominantly planted with Merlot on gravel soils.
Identity
Château Bel Air La Cour is located in Vayres. In 2020, it was managed by Yves Glotin and Jean-Philippe Janoueix. Philippe Dugoua has also been recorded as the estate's owner. The property is sometimes referred to as Château Bel-Air.
History and Philosophy
The history of Château Bel Air La Cour is rooted in a family tradition dating back to the 17th century. Among the estate’s notable historical figures is the granddaughter of Gustave Eiffel. The property belongs to the Graves de Vayres appellation.
Appellations
Château Bel Air La Cour crafts wines under the Graves de Vayres appellation. Some references also mention the Graves appellation.
Winemaking and Ageing
Ageing at Château Bel Air La Cour takes place in vats. Certain wines, such as the "Élevé en fût de chêne" cuvée, benefit from oak barrel ageing.
Practical Information
Château Bel Air La Cour is located at 1, avenue de Bel-Air, 33870 Vayres. For any enquiries, the estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 5 57 24 57 34 or by email at contact@chateaubelaireiffel.fr. Tastings and direct wine sales are available on-site.
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Château Bel Air la Cour located and what is its main appellation?
- Château Bel Air la Cour is located in the commune of Vayres. This winegrowing estate primarily produces wines under the Graves de Vayres appellation. Historically, the estate is family-run with origins stretching back to the 17th century, boasting notable historical ties to the granddaughter of Gustave Eiffel. The vineyard covers 25 hectares, benefiting from a distinctive terroir on the slopes of the Dordogne.
- Who is the owner of Château Bel Air la Cour and how large is the vineyard?
- Philippe Dugoua is cited as the owner of Château Bel Air la Cour. The estate covers an area of 25 hectares. The vineyard features gravel topsoil composed of sands, gravels and large pebbles over a clay-gravel subsoil, typical of the Graves de Vayres appellation. The estate's predominant grape variety is Merlot, which makes up a significant share of the vineyard.
- What grape varieties are grown and what styles of wine are produced at Château Bel Air la Cour?
- The primary grape variety at Château Bel Air la Cour is Merlot, representing 95% of the planted area, complemented by other traditional regional varieties. The estate produces still red wines, such as Château Bel-air élevé en fût de chêne, as well as still white wines. Notable cuvées include the Marguerite Eiffel cuvée in the Graves-de-Vayres appellation, crafted from a blend of Merlot and both Cabernets.
- What are the distinctive features of Château Bel Air la Cour's terroir and how are the wines aged?
- The terroir of Château Bel Air la Cour is set on the slopes of the Dordogne, offering favourable conditions for viticulture. The soil features gravel topsoil with sands, gravels and large pebbles over a subsoil of clayey gravels. Ageing takes place primarily in vats; however, specific cuvées, such as the "Élevé en fût de chêne", benefit from oak barrel ageing to refine their character. The estate's red wines are widely recommended alongside cheese or game.
The Vineyard (Terroir)
The Château Bel Air La Cour vineyard spans an area of 25 hectares, set on the slopes overlooking the Dordogne. The topsoil is characterised by gravels composed of sands, gravels and large pebbles, resting on a subsoil of clayey gravels. The primary grape variety is Merlot, accounting for 95% of the planted area, complemented by other traditional regional varieties. Other sources indicate a vineyard composition of approximately 50% Merlot.
Flagship Cuvées
The estate offers several cuvées. These include still red wines such as Château Bel-air élevé en fût de chêne. Another red wine, Château Bel-air 2008, was also produced with an output of around 9,000 bottles. A cuvée named Marguerite Eiffel 2024 is produced under the Graves-de-Vayres appellation, with a production of 25,000 bottles and a grape blend comprising Merlot alongside both Cabernets. The estate also produces still white wines. The red wines pair well with cheeses, game or classic French dishes, and are best served between 16 and 17°C.
- Appellation
- Graves de Vayres
- Commune
- Vayres
- Wine region
- Entre-deux-Mers
- Owner
- Philippe Dugoua
- Surface area
- 25 ha
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 95%
Practical information
- Address
- Vayres
- Contact form
- Contact the estate