Fifteen years after Ets Jean-Pierre Moueix acquired Château Bélair-Monange, the estate has made remarkable advancements in quality and reputation in St-Emilion. During a July visit in 2024, co-owner Edouard Moueix shared insights on the careful vineyard management required due to the heavy rains that spring, leading to rapid vine growth and potential rot. With vines planted as far back as 1934, the estate has implemented meticulous practices such as selective pruning and encouraging fauna around the parcels to maintain a natural ecosystem.
The evolution of the estate began with its renaming to Château Bélair-Monange post-2007 harvest, honoring Anne-Adèle Monange, the mother of Jean-Pierre Moueix. The Moueix family, well-known for their influence in Bordeaux, aimed to enhance the wine’s brightness and depth, which had been lacking under previous ownership.
Replanting old vines and strengthening the plateau base, weakened by quarrying, were initial steps taken by the Moueix family to revitalize the vineyards. The merger with Château Magdelaine in 2012, another premier grand cru classé, added complexity and quality to the wines, allowing for increased selections and better blending options.
Significant renovations were made to the estate’s cellar to accommodate the expanded vineyard area. The newly designed facility features state-of-the-art fermentation spaces and improved aesthetics, pouring into the character of the wine. Through careful vinification processes, the wines began to express finer qualities, leading to an impressive range of vintages.
The terroir at Bélair-Monange is characterized by asteriated limestone and deep clay soils, producing elegant, high-quality wines. Over the last several years, particularly from the 2015 vintage onwards, the wines have shown significant improvement, demonstrating intricate aromatics and a refined texture. Notably, the 2019 vintage received accolades for its exceptional balance and expression of the terroir.
As the estate integrates new plantings and continues its commitment to excellence, the future for Château Bélair-Monange remains bright, with the aim to continue crafting distinctive wines that honor the winery’s legacy.
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