Château Malartic-Lagravière

Identity

Château Malartic-Lagravière is a Cru Classé de Graves located in the commune of Léognan, in the Gironde department. The estate is managed by Jean-Jacques and Véronique Bonnie. Cécile Bernier serves as technical director, while Benoît Prévoteau is the vineyard manager. Consultant oenologist Éric Boissenot works alongside the estate.

History and philosophy

Formerly known as Domaine de la Gravière, the estate entered the history of the de Malartic family at the end of the 18th century. In 1850, Madame Arnaud Ricard acquired the property, extended it, and renamed it Malartic-Lagravière. Angèle took over management in 1901, followed by Jacques Marly in 1947. In 1953, Château Malartic-Lagravière was classified as a Cru Classé de Graves for both its red and white wines. The estate was sold by the Marly family in 1990 and acquired by the Laurent-Perrier group. In late 1996, Château Malartic-Lagravière was bought by Michèle and Alfred-Alexandre Bonnie. Their children, Jean-Jacques and Véronique, joined the estate in 2003 and 2006 respectively. The property achieved HVE Level 3 certification in 2015 and is committed to a comprehensive agroecological approach, including practices such as controlled ploughing, pastoralism, and the use of cover crops. Organic soil conditioners are applied in minimal quantities, and the use of weedkillers and synthetic pesticides is strictly prohibited.

The appellations

Château Malartic-Lagravière produces wines under the Pessac-Léognan Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée for both its red and white wines.

Practical information

Château Malartic-Lagravière is located at 43, avenue de Mont-de-Marsan, 33850 Léognan. The estate is open for visits by appointment, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm. Direct cellar-door purchases and mail-order sales are available. The premises are accessible to persons with reduced mobility, and tours can be conducted in both French and English.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The vineyard of Château Malartic-Lagravière covers 73 hectares. It is situated on a gravel outcrop, characterised by soils composed of gravel mixed with sand and clay, varying in depth from 50 to over 300 centimetres. The clay subsoil ensures a regular water supply for the vines. The topsoil is described as sandy and poor, providing excellent surface drainage. The lower slopes are covered with grey sand or colluvium. Planting density is approximately 10,000 vines per hectare, with an average vine age of around 28 to 30 years. The grape varieties for the red wines comprise 55% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. For the white wines, the planting consists of 79% Sauvignon Blanc and 21% Sémillon. The vineyard is sheltered by the pine trees of the Landes forest.

Flagship cuvées

The estate produces red and white wines classified as Cru Classé de Graves. The grand vin red of Château Malartic-Lagravière displays nuances of precious woods, soot, and graphite, with fine texture and a firm tannic backbone. The grand vin white is distinguished by fruit aromas, honeyed biscuity notes, and a refined expression of the Sauvignon grape variety. The estate also produces second wines, including La Réserve de Malartic (available in red and white), Le Comte de Malartic (red), and Sillage de Malartic (red and white). Le Comte de Malartic offers a supple, lively character and a distinguished restraint.

Vinification and ageing

Harvesting is carried out entirely by hand for all cuvées. Vinification practices are tailored to each style of wine, aiming to express the full potential of the terroir and grape varieties.