Château Finegrave
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Château Finegrave is a family-run winegrowing estate in Saint-Julien-Beychevelle. Spanning around 0.85 hectares, it is renowned for its AOC Saint-Julien wines. The vineyard has an average vine age of 60 years, planted on Graves Garonnaises soils.
Identity
Château Finegrave is a winegrowing estate located in Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, in the Gironde. The property is managed by the Eliceche family, representing the third generation of winemakers on the estate.
History and philosophy
Château Finegrave is a family estate run by the third generation of winegrowers. It is distinguished by its intimate size within the appellation. The estate is committed to sustainable viticultural practices (viticulture raisonnée), including mechanical weeding and manual harvesting.
Appellations
Château Finegrave produces wines under the Saint-Julien appellation.
Practical information
Château Finegrave is located at 1 La Mouline, 33250 Saint-Julien Beychevelle. The estate can be contacted by telephone on 05 56 59 13 37 or by email at elicechefamily@orange.fr. The estate is open year-round, offering complimentary tours and tastings by appointment. Visits are available every weekend by prior booking.
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Château Finegrave located, and which family owns it?
- Château Finegrave is located in the commune of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, in the Gironde. This winegrowing estate is run by the Eliceche family, representing the third generation of winemakers tending the property and upholding a family tradition. The estate is notable for its boutique size within its primary appellation.
- What are the key characteristics of the Château Finegrave vineyard?
- The Château Finegrave vineyard extends over an area of around 0.85 hectares. Its terroir consists of Graves Garonnaises gravel soils, celebrated for their quality. The vines have an average age of approximately 60 years, which enhances the wines' concentration. Planting density is high, reaching around 10,000 vines per hectare, with an average yield of approximately 40 hectolitres per hectare.
- Which grape varieties are used in Château Finegrave wines and under which appellations are they produced?
- Château Finegrave wines are predominantly crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon (75%) and Merlot (25%), complemented by 1% Cabernet Franc. The estate produces its wines under the Saint-Julien appellation. Château Finegrave also offers a dedicated cuvée, Eyvoke Saint-Julien, made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as 100% Syrah red and rosé wines.
- How are Château Finegrave wines vinified and aged?
- Vinification at Château Finegrave follows traditional methods, including malolactic fermentation in oak barrels and the use of concrete vats. The process utilises gravity flow to handle the wine gently. Ageing takes place over 18 months in oak barrels, with less than 25% new oak to preserve the purity of the fruit. The average annual production is approximately 5,000 bottles.
The vineyard (terroir)
The Château Finegrave vineyard covers an area of approximately 0.85 hectares. The soils consist of Graves Garonnaises. The average vine age is 60 years, with a planting density of around 10,000 vines per hectare. The average yield is about 40 hectolitres per hectare. The grape varieties comprise 74% to 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc.
Flagship cuvées
The estate produces Château Finegrave, a red wine whose blend consists predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%) and Merlot (25%). Vinification follows traditional methods, featuring malolactic fermentation in oak barrels and the use of concrete vats. Ageing lasts 18 months in barrels, with new oak accounting for less than 25%. Average annual production is around 5,000 bottles. A special cuvée, named Eyvoke Saint-Julien, hails from a 0.2-hectare parcel and is crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This cuvée is bottled exclusively in magnums, with around 700 units produced annually. The estate also offers 100% Syrah red and rosé wines.
Vinification and ageing
Vinification at Château Finegrave is carried out along traditional lines. It includes malolactic fermentation in barrels and the use of concrete tanks. The estate also employs gravity-fed handling for the wine. Ageing takes place over 18 months in oak barrels, with less than 25% new oak.
- Appellation
- Saint-Julien
- Commune
- Saint-Julien-Beychevelle
- Wine region
- Médoc
- Surface area
- 0.85 ha
- Second wine
- Eyvoke Saint-Julien
- Grape varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Merlot 25%, Cabernet Franc 1%
Practical information
- Address
- 1 la mouline, 33250 Saint-Julien Beychevelle
- Phone
- 05 56 59 13 37
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Visits
- Open all year long, free visit and tasting, open every weekend by appointment, visits only by appointment.