The winery is located in Saint-Émilion in the area of the same name (Bordeaux). The origins of the former Château Belair date back to the 15th century with an owner Robert de Knolles (Knollys, later Canolles). It remained in the possession of this family until the French Revolution in 1789, who returned after fleeing and took control again in 1802. From the mid-1870s, there was a serious crisis caused by phylloxera and both types of mildew. In 1916, the estate was taken over by Edouard Dubois-Challon (+1921) from the neighbouring Château Ausone. His widow, Pascal Delbeck, bequeathed the estate to him after her death in 2003. The latter sold a 31% share to the Moueix trading house in 2007, which also acquired the remaining 69% a year later. Extensive investments were made in the wine cellar and, from the 2008 vintage onwards, the name was changed to the current name; Anna-Adèle Monange was Jean-Pierre Moueix's mother.
The estate has been classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé B without interruption since 1954. Following the confirmation of this classification in 2012, the vineyards were extensively expanded. This included the incorporation of the Château Magdelaine and 2022 Clos La Madeleine vineyards. The cellar facilities were considerably expanded, some of the vineyards were replanted and the management of the vineyards and winemaking in the cellar were reorganised. The vineyards cover 13 hectares and are planted with Merlot (85%) and Cabernet Franc (15%). Biodynamic viticulture has been practised in a moderate form since 1994. The extremely long-lasting red wine is matured for 18 months in one to two thirds new barriques, depending on the vintage. The second wine is called "Les Songes de Magdelaine".
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Thomas Götz
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