Château Grand Village: Vineyards
As indicated in my history of the domaine, the estate is located in Mouillac, on the right bank of the Dordogne, downstream (and inland a little) of all the big-name appellations. Although the domaine is only about 15 kilometres from Fronsac, and thus perhaps a 15-minute drive, undertaking the journey it feels a lot further. Perhaps, I suspect, simply because this is such unfamiliar territory. The rocks underfoot should at least feel familiar though; beneath the clay the bedrock is calcaire à astéries, the very durable limestone that characterises the plateau of St Emilion.
As described the estate is large, although perhaps not quite as expansive as it was in the early 20th century, and only one-third of it is planted to vines.
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