Baudry-Dutour: Château de la Grille
Baudry and Dutour each bring a historic domaine to this partnership, but since then they have acquired two more, the Château de Saint-Louans and Château de la Grille. Of these, the latter is visually more impressive undeniably more prestigious (even if there are many vignerons in the Chinon appellation who covet the vines at the Château de Saint Louans) and I thus I explore its history in greater detail here.
The first time I set eyes on Château de la Grille (pictured below) I have to confess I was taken aback. The Loire Valley is not exactly short of grand châteaux, but most stand alone as examples of French renaissance architecture, a noteworthy handful displaying more ancient Medieval character. Many have interesting features, moats and drawbridges, ornate gardens and ballrooms, and of course history oozes from their walls. Very few, however, are associated with equally grand vineyards in the way that many grand châteaux in Bordeaux are. Nevertheless, here at Château de la Grille, we have imposing château and vineyard combined.
This is an impressive and ornately turreted pile the origins of which date back to the 15th century, before being enlarged and modified during the 17th century, then again in the 19th century, resulting in a blend of architectural styles. Its most impressive feature is a square tower, capped by a broader upper section, supported by stone corbels, which I find more than reminiscent of some similarly ancient châteaux in Bordeaux, including Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte and Château de Pressac. Sadly, little appears to be known about the château and its owners during these first few centuries, and it is only with the acquisition of the estate during the 18th century that we have a more certain history to follow.
