Château Bel-Air la Royère
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Château Bel-Air La Royère, located in Cars, is an estate in Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux managed by Corinne Chevrier. Certified organic since 2019, it stands out for its revival of historic grape varieties and its ageing in amphorae and cognac casks.
Identity
Château Bel-Air La Royère is a winegrowing estate located in Cars, in Gironde. It is managed by Corinne Chevrier, representing the fourth generation of winegrowers in her family.
History and philosophy
The modern history of Château Bel-Air La Royère began in 1992 with its acquisition by Xavier Loriaud and Corinne Chevrier, who set out to revitalise the estate. Corinne Chevrier has carried on the work independently since 2010.
The estate began its conversion to organic farming in 2016, achieving certification in 2019. In the vineyard, special attention is paid to grape varieties: Malbec was revived as early as 1995, and Castets was reintroduced in 2023, with its first vinification scheduled for 2025. The development of amphora ageing began between 2019 and 2020.
The estate's philosophy focuses on terroir, pleasure, sharing, heritage, sincerity, elegance, accessibility, and innovation.
Appellations
Château Bel-Air La Royère produces wines under the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation.
Practical information
Château Bel-Air La Royère is located in Cars. The estate offers tours and tastings year-round, from Monday to Saturday, by appointment. Time slots run from 11:00 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 16:30 for groups of 2 to 12 people, lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Booking is required at the latest by the morning for an afternoon visit.
Tasting and blending workshops are also offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 18:00 to 19:30, for groups of 2 to 12 people (lasting 1 hour 30 minutes). A personalised 75 cl bottle is provided at the end of the workshop, which can be accompanied by a charcuterie and cheese platter on request. Bookings must be made by the morning of the visit at the latest.
The estate also hosts annual events such as open-air guinguettes, summer concert evenings, traditional harvest dinners (gerbaude), as well as special tastings and cultural events. Direct cellar door wine sales are available at the estate.
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Frequently asked questions
- Who is the current owner of Château Bel-Air La Royère and what is her history with the estate?
- Corinne Chevrier is the owner of Château Bel-Air La Royère, representing the fourth generation of winegrowers in her family. She acquired the estate alongside Xavier Loriaud in 1992 before continuing independently from 2010. Under her leadership, the estate initiated its conversion to organic viticulture in 2016, securing certification in 2019. Her philosophy centres on terroir, pleasure, sharing, heritage, sincerity, elegance, accessibility, and innovation.
- What are the key characteristics of Château Bel-Air La Royère's vineyard and production?
- The vineyard of Château Bel-Air La Royère covers 14 hectares and has been certified organic since 2019. The estate has revived traditional grape varieties such as Malbec, reintroduced in 1995, and Castets in 2023, with a first vinification scheduled for 2025. The wines are crafted under the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation and benefit from distinctive ageing methods, notably in amphorae and former cognac casks.
- What wine ranges are produced by Château Bel-Air La Royère?
- Château Bel-Air La Royère produces a diverse selection of 12 cuvées spanning red, white, and rosé wines across three distinct ranges: "Signature", "Justin", and "Singulières". The "Signature" range includes Château Bel-Air La Royère (red and white), FIG 10, L’esprit de Bel-Air La Royère, Gourmandise, and the Magnum Château Bel-Air La Royère. The "Justin" range showcases single-varietal wines such as Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, Justin Malbec, and Justin Merlot. Lastly, the "Singulières" range features Ma part des anges, Rosé «Les roses», and Ambre inattendue.
- Does Château Bel-Air La Royère offer wine tourism activities?
- Yes, Château Bel-Air La Royère offers year-round tours and tastings from Monday to Saturday, by prior appointment. Time slots run from 11:00 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 16:30 for groups of 2 to 12 people (lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). Tasting and blending workshops are also held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 18:00 to 19:30. Furthermore, the estate organises annual events including guinguettes, summer concert evenings, post-harvest celebration meals (gerbaude), special tastings, and cultural gatherings. Wine can be purchased directly on site.
The vineyard (terroir)
The vineyard of Château Bel-Air La Royère extends across 14 hectares. It is farmed organically, with certification obtained in 2019. Among the grape varieties, Malbec was reintroduced in 1995 and Castets in 2023.
Key cuvées
Château Bel-Air La Royère offers a diverse collection of red, white, and rosé wines, totalling 12 cuvées. The portfolio is divided into three ranges: "Signature", "Justin", and "Singulières".
The Signature range includes Château Bel-Air La Royère (red and white), FIG 10, L’esprit de Bel-Air La Royère, Gourmandise, and the Magnum Château Bel-Air La Royère.
The Justin range features single-varietal wines such as Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, Justin Malbec, and Justin Merlot. Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from vines around 30 years old.
The Singulières cuvées include Ma part des anges, Rosé «Les roses», and Ambre inattendue.
Vinification and ageing
For Château Bel-Air La Royère Blanc, the blend comprises 65% Sauvignon gris and 35% Sauvignon blanc, sourced from vines aged around 12 years. It is aged 70% in new oak barrels and 30% in amphorae.
Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in amphorae for 6 months. More broadly, the estate makes distinctive use of ageing in amphorae and former cognac casks.
- Appellation
- Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
- Commune
- Cars
- Wine region
- Les Vins de Côtes
- Classification
- Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
- Owner
- Corinne Chevrier
- Surface area
- 14 ha
- Certifications
- Bio
Practical information
- Address
- Cars
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Visits
- Disponibles toute l'année