Château
Rochebelle
Grand Cru Classé
A Unique Story at the Heart of Our Region
Saint Émilion
The Château Rochebelle has been owned by the same family for five generations and has a captivating history.
The Terroir and the Vine
at Château Rochebelle
Saint Émilion Grand Cru Classé
This Château benefits from an exceptional terroir, located on the famous hillsides of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its vineyard landscapes. The estate is situated on clay-limestone soils, typical of the region, which impart great finesse and aromatic complexity to the wine. The vines are planted on a very well-exposed terroir, with natural drainage that promotes optimal grape ripening.
The main grape varieties cultivated are Merlot, the dominant variety in Saint-Émilion, as well as Cabernet Franc.
Merlot, which is perfectly suited to the clay-limestone soils of the region, brings aromas of black fruits, plum, and chocolate, while Cabernet Franc, more subtle but essential, adds structure, spices, and freshness to the wine.
The estate follows an Ultra-reasoned viticulture approach, using environmentally respectful methods and incorporating organic practices whenever possible. The goal is to produce grapes of the highest quality, with careful management of each parcel.
Winemaking and Aging
Château Rochebelle uses modern winemaking techniques while respecting the traditional know-how of the region. The grape harvest is done manually, allowing for careful sorting of the clusters to ensure only the best grapes are selected. After harvesting, the grapes are vinified separately according to their grape variety and terroir of origin.
The wine is aged in oak barrels for about 12 to 18 months, depending on the vintage. Barrel aging is a crucial step for Château Rochebelle, as it adds subtle nuances of vanilla, spices, and wood, while refining the tannins and promoting the integration of the aromas.
Wine Style
The wines of Château Rochebelle are typical of the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, offering a beautiful structure and great complexity. The wines display aromas of ripe red and black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry), with floral and spicy notes, and a lovely roundness on the palate thanks to the Merlot.
Cabernet Franc adds touches of pepper, underbrush, and sometimes a hint of mint or dried flowers. On the palate, the wine is generally velvety and structured, with a beautiful body, fine tannins, and a great finish. This wine has good aging potential as it continues to develop in complexity over the years.
Vintage and Great Wines
The vintage plays an important role in the quality of the wine. Recent vintages of Château Rochebelle have been very well received by critics. For example, the 2015 vintage is considered a great wine, with a solid structure and a beautiful expression of black fruit aromas, well supported by silky tannins.
The climatic conditions of each year, whether it be drought, rain, or temperature, influence the characteristics of the wine. However, thanks to rigorous practices and careful control of the winemaking process, Château Rochebelle manages to produce high-quality wines even in challenging years.
Commitment and Sustainability
Château Rochebelle is committed to respecting the environment and adopting sustainable viticulture practices. This includes a reasoned management of plant protection products and the use of winemaking methods that preserve the purity of the grapes. The estate also aims to minimize its carbon footprint and preserve biodiversity on its land.
Château Rochebelle is an estate that perfectly embodies the spirit of the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. With its exceptional terroir, careful viticulture practices, and modern winemaking that respects tradition, this estate produces wines of great finesse and complexity. The wine of Château Rochebelle stands out for its balance, aromatic richness, and aging potential. It is an excellent choice for Saint-Émilion wine enthusiasts seeking quality and character.
Contact Us
+33 (0)5 57 51 30 71
contact(@)oenotourismestemilion.com