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. There are approximately 20 hectares of vineyard, although this figure is probably already out of date as the Guinaudeau family have been actively expanding the vineyard in recent years. Much of this has been achieved with the purchase of other nearby parcels. This expansion has tended to focus on vineyards just outside the Fronsac appellation; proprietors within Fronsac seem very content to let these go, preferring instead to focus on the wines of their main appellation. The Guinaudeau family, meanwhile, are very happy to have them; the terroir is good, and the land is less expensive. They have no interest in Fronsac or any other appellation; the selling point here is the name of Guinaudeau, and the association with Château Lafleur. These ‘outside Fronsac’ parcels are the source of a new cuvée which began its life at Château Grand Village, and which is still vinified here, but which these days has its own identity, under the name Les Perrières.
