Baudry-Dutour: Château de la Grille
The first time I set eyes on Château de la Grille 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 château which dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. 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 firmer idea as to its story.
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