The Bordeaux château La Grâce Dieu Des Prieurs in Saint-Émilion is planning the first Grand Cru Chardonnay in the Bordelais. In 2014, the estate owned by the Russian billionaire and professional chess player Andrey Filatov planted a vineyard of about one hectare with Chardonnay - against the rules of appellation. According to the will of Filatov and his oenologist and farm manager Louis Mitjaville, the grapes are to be completely matured in new barriques and positioned against the white Grand Cru Burgundies under the brand name "Art Russe". With the 2019 vintage, the Chardonnay is to be presented to the public for the first time.
However, the "Chardonnay Bordelaise" is classified in the lowest category "Vin de France" due to the admission rules, but is to be positioned at the top of the French quality hierarchy as Grand Cru, Louis Mitjaville told the magazine "Drinks Business".
(uka)