Jean Bouldy purchased the Bellegrave property in the southwestern portion of Pomerol in 1951, passing it on in 1980 to his son Jean-Marie and daughter-in-law Pascale, who continued to cultivate it a l'ancienne. For them, that meant more physical work in
the vineyard on their mixed soils of stones, sand and red clay, no chemical treatments or herbicides, and since 2009, steps towards official Organic certification (ECOCERT). "We have rediscovered our profession but also our dialogue with nature," says Jean-Marie. "Rabbits have made their homes here; birds hide their nests under merlot leaves; wildflowers grow between the rows; insects forage; plants, animals and people exist side by side in harmony. The return of wildlife is a sign of good health and we must maintain this balance for the vines to live."
The wines at Bellegrave ferment by indigenous yeasts in a combination of cement and stainless steel tanks and age for 20 months in Allier barriques prior to bottling.
Varieties: Merlot (75%), Cabernet franc (25%)
Average age of vines: 25 years
Soils: stones, sand, red clay
Vineyard area: 7.5 hectares
