Château Bélair-Monange

Prior to 2008, the estate was known as Château Belair and has been recognised as one of the most well positioned sites in Saint-Émilion with vineyards dating back to 1730.

Following the outbreak of phylloxera the vineyard lapsed into a dilapidated condition and under the ownership of Pascal Delbeck (who also owned Château Ausone) the wines never reached the reputation of the pre-phylloxera era. In 2003, 30% of the property was sold to the Ets Moueix (owner of Hosanna, La Fleur-Pétrus, Tortanoy in Pomerol and Dominus Estate in Napa Valley).

They bought the reminder on the property in 2008, following the purchase, the estate name was changed to Château Bélair-Monange. 

The topography at Château Bélair-Monange combines the two distinct characteristics that define Saint-Émilion wines. The limestone plateau produces freshness, finesse of tannins and distinct minerality. Whilst the steeper vineyards dominated by dense, blue clay on limestone subsoil provide intensity, length and a unique elegance to the wine.

This combination of terroirs make the Bélair-Monange sites some of the best placed in the appellation. In total the area under vine amounts to 23.5 hectares and an average age of vine of 25 years. The vineyards are planted 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.

In 2012 the vineyards expanded, absorbing the vineyard of Château Magdelaine taking the area under vine up to 23.5 hectares. Since the Moueix family took over the property there has been a sharp increase in the quality of the wines due to yield reduction, stringent optical sorting selection process and later picking. 

Wines are fermented in a mix of thermo-regulated concrete vats and stainless steel tanks. The press wines are added post fermentation, during élevage, prior to final blending. The wine is typically matured in 50% new oak barriques for 18 months. The property also produce a second wine called “Annonce” made from the younger vines on the property. Production at the property is typically around 4,000 cases.