Château Beychevelle: Complete Guide to Saint-Julien’s Grand Cru Classé

Origins and Legend

• The estate was founded in 1446 under the name Château de Médoc, then belonging to the powerful Foix de Candale family.
• In 1587, it passed as dowry to the Duke of Épernon, first Governor of Guyenne, who later became Grand Admiral of France.
• According to legend, ships passing before the château had to lower their sails as a sign of respect — “Baisse-Voile” — hence the name Beychevelle and the famous ship emblem.
• The current château, an imposing 17th-century building surrounded by formal French gardens, is one of the most beautiful in Bordeaux.

Vineyard

• The vines cover 90 hectares of deep gravel, typical of Saint-Julien, providing ideal drainage.
• Grape varieties: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot.
• The high proportion of Merlot distinguishes Beychevelle from other Saint-Julien estates and contributes to its elegant, approachable style.

Winemaking and Style

• Hand harvesting, rigorous sorting, fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.
• Aging for 18 months in French oak barrels, with 50% new oak.
• The Beychevelle style: elegance and finesse over sheer power. A Saint-Julien that is more approachable earlier than its neighbors, yet with excellent aging potential (15-25 years).
• Aromas: black fruits, violet, cedar, sweet spices, and toasty notes.

The Wines

• Château Beychevelle (Grand Vin): The iconic ship-label wine — elegance and growing complexity.
• Amiral de Beychevelle: The second wine, formerly called “La Réserve de l’Amiral,” made with the same care from younger vines.
• The estate is now owned by the Castel group and Suntory, who have invested in extensive modernization.