Château Lapelletrie
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Château Lapelletrie, a family-run winegrowing estate in Saint-Émilion Grand Cru at Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, is certified organic (Agriculture Biologique). It cultivates its vines on limestone and clay soils and ages its wines partly in underground quarries.
Identity
Château Lapelletrie is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, in Gironde. It stands out for its family-run approach and its commitment to passing down its know-how.
History and philosophy
Château Lapelletrie is dedicated to welcoming visitors as guests, sharing with them its passion for wine. The estate is certified organic (Agriculture Biologique), a commitment undertaken over 15 years ago through the adoption of agroecological practices.
Appellations
The wines produced by Château Lapelletrie are crafted under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation.
Practical information
Château Lapelletrie is located at Lapelletrie, 536 Route de Barbenègre, 33330 Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes. Prior booking is recommended for all visits. The cellar is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. To contact the estate, call 06 81 91 16 70 or email a.biscaye@lapelletrie.com.
The estate offers several tour options:
- Original Discovery (1 hr): Includes a presentation from the vineyard to the cellar, a visit to the underground cellars, and a tasting of one wine (€8 per adult).
- Fun Discovery (1 hr 15 mins): A self-guided tour of the underground cellars featuring a game, followed by a tasting of one wine (€12 per adult, €8 per child under 15).
- Gourmet Discovery (1 hr 30 mins): A guided tour followed by a Gascon platter and a tasting of two wines (€15 per adult, €6 per child under 15).
Payment by bank card is accepted. The estate provides car parking and is accessible to persons with reduced mobility. English is spoken on site. Catering is available upon booking, offering daily menus prepared with fresh market produce. As a complementary activity, the estate also cultivates mushrooms (mainly Shiitake) within its former limestone quarries.
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Château Lapelletrie located?
- Château Lapelletrie is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, in Gironde. Its vineyards are planted on the heights of Saint-Émilion. The exact address is Lapelletrie, 536 Route de Barbenègre, 33330 Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes.
- What is Château Lapelletrie's approach to viticulture?
- Château Lapelletrie is certified organic (Agriculture Biologique), a commitment initiated over 15 years ago. The estate adopts agroecological practices, using natural plant teas and introducing sheep into the vineyard to foster beneficial wildlife. This approach reflects a dedication to passing down family expertise and respecting the environment.
- What are the characteristics of the terroir at Château Lapelletrie?
- The Château Lapelletrie vineyard features limestone and red clay soils. These soils rest on a hard bedrock, imparting a distinctive minerality to the wines. The estate's predominant grape variety is Merlot, which thrives on this unique terroir on the heights of Saint-Émilion.
- What visit options are available at Château Lapelletrie?
- Château Lapelletrie offers several tour options by prior arrangement. The 'Original Discovery' includes a presentation and a tasting. The 'Fun Discovery' offers a self-guided game-based tour in the underground cellars followed by a tasting. The 'Gourmet Discovery' includes a guided tour, a Gascon platter, and a tasting of two wines. The estate is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, accepts bank cards, and has disabled access.
The vineyard (terroir)
The Château Lapelletrie vineyard is situated on the heights of Saint-Émilion, stretching between vines and former underground quarries. The soils are characterised by limestone, which imparts a distinct minerality, and red clays resting on hard bedrock. To manage the vineyard, the estate employs agroecological practices, including the use of natural plant teas and grazing ewes to foster beneficial fauna.
Key cuvées
The estate primarily produces the Château Lapelletrie cuvée, alongside the Canopée de Lapelletrie cuvée. These wines are crafted using gentle vinification and delicate pressing.
Vinification and ageing
Vinification at Château Lapelletrie is carried out plot by plot in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for around four weeks. Ageing takes place partly in French oak barrels for one-third of the harvest, with the remainder aged in concrete vats. A distinctive feature of the estate is the ageing of a portion of the wines in former quarries, which provide a naturally constant temperature. Bottling takes place approximately 24 months after harvest.
- Appellation
- Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
- Commune
- Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes
- Wine region
- Libournais
- Second wine
- Canopée de Lapelletrie
- Certifications
- Bio
- Grape varieties
- Merlot
Practical information
- Address
- Lapelletrie, 33330 St-Christophe-des-Bardes
- Phone
- 06 81 91 16 70
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Opening hours
- Ouvert tous les jours de 9 h à 17 h
- Visits
- Réservation préférable