Nestled within the heart of the famed Saint-Émilion vineyard in Bordeaux, Château Berliquet is a name that echoes through centuries of winemaking tradition. Its story dates back to the 1740s, making it one of the oldest and most historic vineyards in the appellation. This 10-hectare estate, a veritable square of viticultural excellence, is flanked on three sides by the renowned Château Canon’s vines
While its history is rich, it wasn't until 1978 that Château Berliquet underwent a transformation. Previously, the wine was produced by the local co-operative, offering solid but unremarkable quality. However, since that pivotal year, the château has taken control of its own destiny, with its winemaking and ageing process taking place on-site.
In 2017, a new chapter began for Château Berliquet when it was acquired by the iconic Chanel fashion house. Under Chanel's stewardship, the château found its visionary winemaker in the form of Nicolas Audebert. Nicolas brought his extensive experience, honed over a decade in Argentina overseeing the prestigious Cheval des Andes project (a collaboration between Château Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes).
The Wine
Recognising the immense potential of Château Berliquet's terroir, Nicolas enlisted the expertise of mapping and terroir specialists Géocarta and Kees Van Leeuwen to conduct a detailed soil survey of the vineyard. Armed with this profound understanding of the clay-limestone plateau and the clay and sand slopes, Nicolas embarked on an ambitious plan. This phased approach involved uprooting, replanting, and co-planting various sections of the vineyard to harness its full potential.
Nicolas Audebert's vision for Château Berliquet includes a significant emphasis on Cabernet Franc. He believes that the terroir has the power to elevate Cabernet Franc to new heights, unlocking its potential for extraordinary fruit expression, elegance, and precision. As part of this vision, one-third of the vineyard will be replanted, with a greater focus on Cabernet Franc over Merlot.
Within the winery's walls, vinification takes place in state-of-the-art stainless-steel tanks. The wines then embark on a 16-month ageing journey in oak barrels, with 50% of them being new. The cellars themselves have been meticulously renovated in recent years, reflecting a commitment to both tradition and innovation!
