The History of the Château des Bachelards

A small château with a great heritage, living vines, respected soils and iconic wines.

Château des Bachelards, located in Fleurie (69820), less than an hour from Lyon, in the heart of the BeaujolaisThis wine has its roots in the monastic history of the region, founded by the Benedictine monks of Cluny in the 12th century. These pioneers recognised the incredible potential of this unique terroir, where they planted the first vines. Their efforts shaped the vineyard that still surrounds the estate today, bearing witness to a rich and well-preserved heritage, despite the disappearance of the abbey during the French Revolution.

Château des Bachelards: pioneering biodynamic farming in Fleurie in the Beaujolais region

A monastic history and heritage preserved, modernised and respectful of the land

In 1793, the Platet family, local notables, acquired the estate and continued the winemaking tradition. The walled vineyard remained in the Platet - later Lombard-Platet - family until 2007, an exceptional event in the history of the region. Since the 19th century, the wines of Château des Bachelards have been recognised as some of the best, and its terroirs have been judged as remarkable, winning silver medals at the Universal Exhibitions in London and Paris.

In 2007, the estate entered a new era with a visionary owner who converted the vineyards to organic farmingone of the first in Fleurie.

In 2014, Alexandra de Vazeilles bought Château des Bachelards and made the bold decision to adopt biodynamic viticulture throughout the estate. Demeter certified since 2015 and Biodyvin since 2020The Château has become a pioneer in this environmentally-friendly approach. No synthetic chemicals have been used since 2007, and constant attention is paid to respecting the terroirs and ecosystems in which the wines are grown. Under his leadership, the estate has broken with the region's traditional methods, eschewing traditional 'Beaujolais' practices such as carbonic maceration and thermovinification in favour of long vinification and ageing in oak tuns, under the guidance of oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt. This approach produces complex, refined wines designed for ageing, placing Bachelards among the great French wines.

In 2022, Matthieu Gufflet, a committed investor with a passion for wine, takes over the reins of Château des Bachelards. Known for his innovative projects and sustainable approach, Matthieu Gufflet heads the Land of Nature A harmonious collection of unique natural sites - hotels, restaurants, wineries, urban farms - that meet new expectations in terms of hospitality and natural, sustainable agriculture. His vision is clear-sighted: to bring Nature back to the centre of our lives, by proposing a holistic, regenerative and beneficial approach for Man and his environment.

In acquiring Château des Bachelards, Matthieu Gufflet aims to perpetuate winegrowing excellence while setting the estate on the path to a promising future. Château des Bachelards is preparing to become a venue for receptions and hospitality, while continuing to produce exceptional wines. The future of the estate will thus combine winemaking excellence with respect for the environment. terroirs and unique moments of sharing in an unspoilt natural setting.

Château des Bachelards continues to shine as a timeless jewel of the Beaujolais region. Combining age-old traditions with modern innovations, it embodies the perfect balance between respect for the terroirs and an ambitious vision for the future.

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