Château Rochebelle

Identity

Château Rochebelle is a winegrowing estate located in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes. It is owned by the Faniest family, with Philippe Faniest managing the estate and Émilie Faniest serving as oenologist.

History and philosophy

Château Rochebelle has been owned by the Faniest family since the mid-19th century, spanning five generations. The estate is committed to environmentally friendly viticulture, notably through sustainable practices (lutte raisonnée) and Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification.

Appellations

Château Rochebelle produces wines under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation and is recognised as a Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion.

Practical information

Château Rochebelle is located in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, 33330. The estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 (0)5 57 51 30 71 or by email at faniest@orange.fr. The tasting cellar is open daily, morning and afternoon, for cellar-door sales. Visits by appointment include a tour of the monolithic cellars and a tutored tasting. Accepted payment methods include bank card, cash, cheque, and holiday vouchers. Amenities include disabled access, parking, air conditioning, and international shipping. Spoken languages are English and Spanish. Mail order is also available.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The Château Rochebelle vineyard extends over 3 hectares planted on clay-limestone soils. The vines have an average age of 45 years. The grape varieties consist predominantly of Merlot (85%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (15%). Vineyard management includes cover cropping on alternate rows with mechanical tilling on the others, alongside in-row sub-vine cultivation. Pruning is tailored to each individual vine, and harvesting is carried out by hand.

Signature cuvées

The estate's principal wine is Château Rochebelle Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion, a red wine. Described as racy with notable ageing potential, it combines velvety texture, purity, and tension. It reveals aromas of red and black fruits complemented by floral and liquorice notes against a mineral background. The palate is defined by its tension, silky tannins, and aromatic freshness.

Vinification and ageing

Ageing of Château Rochebelle wines takes place in underground cellars carved in the 18th century.