Descended from a long line of nobility dating back several centuries, the current owner Marquise de Roussy de Sales has completely transformed the fortunes and reputation of this majestic Château
Descended from a long line of nobility dating back several centuries, the current owner Marquise de Roussy de Sales has completely transformed the fortunes and reputation of this majestic Château. It remains Beaujolais’ most beautiful estate; with a fairytale like appearance and magical gardens, it is little wonder that the French Ministry of Culture awarded Château de la Chaize the status of “Monuments Historiques,” in 1972. It also boasts the region’s longest vaulted cellar, which with its original framework and Roman-tiled roof is a monument in itself. But today, the property is renowned for both its beauty and the quality of its wines, which show a unique minerality and gorgeous sour cherry and black fruit character.
Château de la Chaize has a long and distinguished history which dates back to the 17th century. The original estate was founded by French army captain, François de La Chaize d’Aix, who purchased the property from an aristocratic family in 1667. Sadly, a few years after acquiring the Château it collapsed, killing his two sons and leaving François without any heirs. Nonetheless, the captain did commission a new Château, which was constructed in 1674 and is the building we know as Château de la Chaize today. However, the magnificent cellar and winery weren’t built until the late 18th century, finally completed in 1810. After the death of Francois, de la Chaize passed to the Count de Montaigu, who was an ambassador of King Louis XV in Venice. Such a fortuitous relationship helped to spread to renown of Beaujolais and the wines of Château de la Chaize, which were held in great esteem throughout Europe. Eventually the estate came under the control of the Marquise de Roussy de Sales, who has remained the sole owner since 1967.
The Marquise inherited a grand yet dilapidated Château, and therefore soon initiated a major program of restoration for the buildings and gardens. Much effort – and money – was also put into improving viticulture and the quality of the estate’s vineyards. But the investment has clearly paid off; today, winemakers Antoine Lohier and Franck Manigand consistently produce benchmark Brouilly from over 90 ha of superior vineyards. The regular bottling is always reliably excellent, offering breadth and depth combined with early drinkability. The Vieilles Vignes offers more complexity, refinement and density, but it is the special cuvee, the Reserve de La Marquise, that we really love. Made from old vines planted in an exceptional terroir, the wine is remarkable: fleshy, structured with a fine minerality and depth of flavor. Top vintages will last for over a decade, indeed, there is never any rush to drink the wines of Château de la Chaize.
https://www.cellartours.com/france/french-wineries/chateau-de-la-chaize
Adulte:5 €/personne (la dégustation de vin)
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