Château Gravelines

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A historic estate in La Benauge, in the commune of Semens, whose origins date back to the 16th century: the owner at the time, a vassal to the Count of La Benauge, owed him an annual tribute of two trained falcons and a pair of golden spurs—emblems featured on the Fleury-Dubourg family coat of arms. Expanded to nearly 80 hectares through successive acquisitions across the 19th and 20th centuries, the estate was sold in 2001 to a GFA managed by Idia (Crédit Agricole). In 2023, Idia sold the historic parcels back to Olivier Fleury—namely 16 hectares comprising vines surrounding the château and in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, across the lieux-dits of Gravelines, Côte du Tich (planted in 1921), and Coureteau. The red wines blend equal parts Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon; the whites, made from 60% Sémillon and 40% Sauvignon, yield a light sweet wine under the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux appellation and a dry Bordeaux blanc, alongside a red Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux and a Bordeaux rosé. As the old cellars were not part of the acquisition, vinification takes place at Château du Pavillon, headquarters of Vignobles Olivier Fleury.

Maison Fleury-Dubourg
© Château Gravelines

Identity

Château Gravelines is located in the commune of Semens, in the Gironde département. The estate's registered company name is SARL Château Gravelines. Olivier Fleury acquired the property in 2023, taking over management from Sylvain Labardant.

History and philosophy

The history of Château Gravelines dates back to the 16th century, with its earliest recorded mention in 1602. The estate remained in the hands of the Fleury-Dubourg family across several generations (Gassies, Gaussem, and later Dubourg) over a long period. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the vineyard of Château Gravelines expanded to nearly 80 hectares.

In 2001, the property was sold and managed under a GFA (Groupement Foncier Agricole) by Idia, a subsidiary of Crédit Agricole. In 2023, Olivier Fleury acquired the estate, marking the family's return to the property.

The appellations

Château Gravelines produces wines under several Bordeaux appellations. Red wines are primarily produced under the AOC Côtes de Bordeaux Cadillac appellation. Dry white wines are made under the Bordeaux blanc sec appellation, and rosé wines under the Bordeaux rosé appellation. The estate also produces a sweet white wine under the AOC Premières Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. Other produced appellations include Bordeaux clairet and Sainte-Croix-du-Mont.

Practical information

The address of Château Gravelines is 1, lieu-dit Gravelines, 33490 Semens. For any enquiries, the estate can be contacted by telephone on 05 56 62 02 01 or by email at chateaugravelines@wanadoo.fr. The estate offers direct sales and wine tastings on-site.

Find out more

Official estate website

Frequently asked questions

Who is the current owner of Château Gravelines?
Since 2023, Olivier Fleury has been the owner of Château Gravelines, taking over the estate previously managed by Sylvain Labardant. The estate is operated by SARL Château Gravelines, and vinification is carried out by Vignobles Olivier Fleury. This acquisition marks the return of the Fleury family to the property, continuing a family history that spans several generations.
What is the surface area of Château Gravelines and what is its terroir?
The vineyard of Château Gravelines covers 16 hectares. The parcels are located around the château as well as in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont. The terroir is characterised by clay-limestone and gravelly soils. These soil types are renowned for imparting structure to red wines and freshness to whites, contributing to the quality of the various appellations produced.
Which grape varieties are grown at Château Gravelines?
The white grape varieties at Château Gravelines consist of 60% Sémillon and 40% Sauvignon. For the red wines, the grape varieties comprise equal parts Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This diversity of grape varieties allows the estate to produce a varied range of wines across different appellations, from dry whites and structured reds to rosés and sweet dessert wines.
Which appellations are produced by Château Gravelines?
Château Gravelines produces wines under several appellations. For red wines, the main appellation is Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux. Dry white wines are crafted under the Bordeaux blanc sec appellation, and rosé wines under Bordeaux rosé. The estate also produces a sweet white wine under the Sainte-Croix-du-Mont appellation, as well as wines under the Bordeaux Clairet appellation.

The vineyard (terroir)

The vineyard of Château Gravelines currently spans 16 hectares, with parcels situated around the château and in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont. The soils are clay-limestone and gravelly.

The white grape varieties consist of 60% Sémillon and 40% Sauvignon. For the red wines, the grape varieties comprise equal parts Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Notable parcels include the Coureteau parcel for the Sauvignons and the Côte du Tich parcel, planted in 1921.

Flagship cuvées

The estate's principal cuvée is Château Gravelines. The red wines generally offer a classic Bordeaux aromatic profile, with a structure built to develop over time. The dry white wines often display fruity notes and a characteristic freshness, while the sweet wines stand out for their richness and aromatic complexity.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification of the wines of Château Gravelines is carried out by Vignobles Olivier Fleury, with production taking place at Château du Pavillon.

Commune
Semens
Wine region
Entre-deux-Mers
Owner
Olivier Fleury (Société des Vignobles Olivier Fleury)
Surface area
16 ha
Grape varieties
Sémillon 60%, Sauvignon 40%, Merlot 33%, Malbec 33%, Cabernet Sauvignon 33%

Practical information

Address
1, lieu-dit Gravelines, 33490 Semens
Contact form
Contact the estate

Location

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