Château Olivier
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Château Olivier, a Cru Classé de Graves, is a historic winegrowing estate in Léognan owned by the de Bethmann family. It produces environmentally responsible red and white wines in the Pessac-Léognan appellation.
Identity
Château Olivier is a winegrowing estate located in Léognan, in the Gironde. It has been owned by the de Bethmann family since the 19th century, represented today by Jean-Jacques de Bethmann. General management is overseen by Laurent Lebrun, with Damien Bielle as cellar master and Miguel Fisac as vineyard manager. The estate has been classified as a Cru Classé de Graves for both red and white wines since 1953.
History and philosophy
Château Olivier dates back to the Middle Ages, with records of the estate as early as 1350 and origins of the keep traced to the 11th and 12th centuries. The château was converted into a defensive structure in the 16th century by Arthus d’Olivey. The first cellars were established in the 18th century. Owned by the de Bethmann family for 136 years (according to the estate's website), the château is also listed as a Monument Historique. The estate is committed to environmental preservation, following rigorous viticultural practices and holding Haute Valeur Environnementale certification. Its first certified organic vintage (Agriculture Biologique) is 2023.
Appellations
Château Olivier produces its wines under the Pessac-Léognan appellation for both its red and white wines.
Flagship wines
The estate produces several cuvées, including the Château Olivier Cru Classé de Graves in red and white. These wines are crafted from the appellation's traditional grape varieties. The red Château Olivier is characterised by a complex aromatic profile and a firm structure. The white Château Olivier offers a distinctive aromatic expression and lovely crispness. The estate also crafts a second wine, Le Dauphin d'Olivier, available in red and white, as well as a third wine, La Seigneurerie d'Olivier.
Practical information
Château Olivier is located at 175, avenue de Bordeaux, 33850 Léognan. The estate can be reached by telephone on +33 (0)5 56 64 73 31 and by email at accueil@chateau-olivier.com. The cellar door is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:00, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer season at the same hours. Tours and tastings are available by appointment, with various options ranging from introductory visits to themed workshops. Tours can be conducted in French, English, and Spanish.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the history of Château Olivier and its classification?
- Located in Léognan, Château Olivier is a winegrowing estate with origins dating back to the Middle Ages, with its first recorded mention in 1350 and a keep dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. It has been classified as a Cru Classé de Graves for both red and white wines since 1953. The de Bethmann family has owned the estate since the 19th century, and the château is also designated as a Monument Historique, reflecting its long heritage.
- What environmental certifications does Château Olivier hold?
- Château Olivier is committed to environmental stewardship, adhering to rigorous viticultural practices. The estate holds Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification. Furthermore, the 2023 vintage is its first to be certified organic (Agriculture Biologique), highlighting its transition towards sustainable winegrowing.
- Which grape varieties are grown at Château Olivier for its red and white wines?
- For red wines, Château Olivier's grape varieties are predominantly Merlot (49%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), complemented by a small proportion of Petit Verdot (4%). For white wines, Sauvignon Blanc makes up the vast majority at 87% of plantings, accompanied by Sémillon (13%). These grape varieties are cultivated on a clay-limestone terroir.
- How are the red and white wines aged at Château Olivier?
- Vinification is carried out plot by plot, and the red wines are aged for 12 months in French oak Bordeaux barrels, with one-third renewed each year. The white wines are aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, with regular lees stirring (bâtonnage) and ageing on fine lees. As with the reds, one-third of the white wine barrels are replaced annually. White grapes undergo gentle pressing.
The vineyard (terroir)
The estate covers a total area of 230 hectares, of which 60 hectares are planted with vines. The average age of the vines is 25 years. The terroir is characterised by gravel soils resting on a clay-limestone bedrock. The vineyard is divided into 50 hectares dedicated to red grape varieties and 10 hectares to white grape varieties. The harvest is carried out by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and in the cellar.
Grape varieties
- Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), Merlot (49%), Petit Verdot (4%)
- Whites: Sauvignon Blanc (87%), Sémillon (13%), Muscadelle
Vinification and ageing
Vinification is plot by plot and tailored, carried out in 40 temperature-controlled truncated cone-shaped vats. For the red wines, extraction techniques include pump-overs and punch-downs. Ageing for the red wines lasts 12 months in French oak Bordeaux barrels, with one-third renewed each year. For the white wines, pressing is gentle. Ageing takes place over 10 months in French oak barrels, with regular lees stirring (bâtonnage) and ageing on fine lees. Barrel renewal for the white wines is likewise one-third each year.
- Appellation
- Pessac-Léognan
- Commune
- Léognan
- Wine region
- Graves & Sauternais
- Classification
- Cru Classé de Graves
- Owner
- famille de Bethmann
- Technical direction
- Damien Bielle
- Surface area
- 60 ha
- Second wine
- Le Dauphin d'Olivier
- Certifications
- Bio, HVE
- Grape varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon 47%, Merlot 49%, Petit Verdot 4%, Sauvignon Blanc 87%, Sémillon 13%, Muscadelle
Practical information
- Address
- 175 Avenue de Bordeaux, 33850 Léognan
- Phone
- +33 (0)5 56 64 73 31
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Opening hours
- Du lundi au vendredi de 9h à 12h et de 13h30 à 17h. Pour la période estivale, ouverture samedi et dimanche aux mêmes horaires.
- Visits
- Visite découverte de Château Olivier (1h, 19€, 2 vins), Sur les traces du Prince Noir (1h30, 17€, 2 vins), Atelier Dégustation à la barrique (2h, 49€, 3 lots en élevage & 2 vins livrables), Le vin au bout des doigts (1h30, 29€, 2 vins), Atelier dégustation vins blancs & fromages (1h30, 29€, 2 vins blancs), A la découverte des arômes (Adultes et enfants) (2h, 29€ adultes / 5€ enfants, 2 vins), Dégustation seule (2 vins) (30min, 15€, 2 vins), Dégustation seule (4 vins) (45 min, 25€, 4 vins)