Château les Graves de Viaud
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Château les Graves de Viaud, a winegrowing estate in Côtes de Bourg, has been committed to biodynamic viticulture since 2010. Owned by the Betschart family, it crafts red wines from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon on clay-gravel soils.
Identity
Château les Graves de Viaud is located in Pugnac and is owned by the Betschart family.
History and Philosophy
First recorded in the Féret guide in 1875, the estate was established around 1850. P. Derouineau acquired the property in 1994. In 2010, Philippe Betschart and his family took over the domaine, initiating a commitment to organic and biodynamic farming that very year. The château is dedicated to natural winemaking methods, without the use of oenological products or additives. An orchard was planted in 2022, and the estate is also developing a vinegar cellar, with the first releases expected in May 2026.
Appellations
Château les Graves de Viaud produces wines under the Côtes de Bourg appellation.
Practical Information
Address: 409 impasse de Viaud, 33710 Pugnac
Telephone: +33(0)673182812 or 05 57 68 94 37
Email: info@lesgravesdeviaud.fr
The estate offers wine tastings and cellar-door sales. Visits are by appointment.
Find Out More
Frequently asked questions
- Who owns Château les Graves de Viaud and when did they acquire the estate?
- Château les Graves de Viaud is owned by the Betschart family. Philippe Betschart and his family took over the estate in 2010. Since this acquisition, they have committed to organic and biodynamic viticulture. The estate was previously acquired by P. Derouineau in 1994, and its first record in the Féret guide dates back to 1875.
- What certifications does Château les Graves de Viaud hold and what is its production philosophy?
- Château les Graves de Viaud is certified in organic and biodynamic farming, with Demeter certification currently in conversion. The estate adheres to a natural winemaking philosophy, avoiding the use of oenological products and additives. This approach is also reflected in the strict limitation of added sulphites in their wines.
- What is the vineyard surface area and which grape varieties are planted?
- The vineyard at Château les Graves de Viaud covers an area of 11.5 hectares. It is predominantly planted with three Bordeaux grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These varieties are grown on clay-gravel soils benefiting from full southern exposure, which promotes optimal grape ripening.
- What are the characteristics of the wines produced by Château les Graves de Viaud?
- Château les Graves de Viaud produces wines under the Côtes de Bourg appellation. The estate offers several cuvées, such as the “Cuvée Prestige” and the “Terroir Expression de Graves” cuvée, both crafted from blends dominated by Merlot and complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ageing takes place in vats or oak barrels, occasionally using seasoned casks.
The Vineyard (Terroir)
The vineyard spans 11.5 hectares. It is characterised by clay-gravel soils and benefits from a full southern exposure. The vines are managed using organic and biodynamic farming, with Demeter certification currently in conversion. The grape varieties planted are Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Flagship Cuvées
The estate offers two ranges of wine. The “Cuvée Prestige” comes from a blend dominated by Merlot, complemented by both Cabernets. The “Terroir Expression de Graves” cuvée is crafted from roughly three-quarters Merlot, alongside both Cabernets.
Vinification and Ageing
Ageing takes place in vats and oak barrels. For certain cuvées, such as the 2010 Cuvée Prestige, ageing is carried out in seasoned oak barrels. The Grande Cuvée 2000 was aged for twelve months in barrel. The estate is committed to minimising added sulphites, with levels ranging between 0 and 40 mg/l.
- Appellation
- Côtes de Bourg
- Commune
- Pugnac
- Wine region
- Les Vins de Côtes
- Owner
- Famille Betschart
- Surface area
- 11.5 ha
- Certifications
- Bio, Biodynamie
- Grape varieties
- Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Practical information
- Address
- 409 impasse de Viaud, 33710 Pugnac
- Phone
- +33(0)673182812
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Visits
- Sur rendez vous