Chateau Gracia

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Chateau Gracia Wine

"The quintessential garage wine produced from fewer than 5 acres of vineyard... This 450-case cuvee comes close to emulating the style of proprietor Gracia’s friend, Alain Vauthier of Chateau Ausone." — Robert Parker

Over the last 30 years, Chateau Gracia has established itself as one of Bordeaux's leading "garagiste" wineries thanks to innovative winemaker Michel Gracia. With less than 3 hectares of land, Chateau Gracia produces small amounts of a full-bodied, concentrated Right Bank, Merlot-dominant blend. Those lucky enough to acquire a bottle have become huge enthusiasts of the estate, pushing Gracia wine to cult status in the region.

Chateau Gracia: "Garagiste" Beginnings

Chateau Gracia was founded in 1994 by Michel Gracia, a local stonemason who has worked on the chateaux at Petrus and Cheval Blanc, amongst others. Gracia founded the estate as a small "garagiste" winery, literally blending the wines from a small space in a back alley next to a working garage. The now-renowned winemaker purchased only 1.5 hectares in 1998 and crafted the inaugural cuvée with purchased fruit from surrounding Saint-Emilion estates.

Michel Gracia: Founder and Winemaker

Prior to founding Chateau Gracia, Michel Gracia was working as a local stonemason. This experience gave Gracia the knowledge of the local terroir and inspired him to start a small-production winery. With no formal winemaking knowledge, Michel Gracia developed his unique style along the way with the help of Alan Vauthier of Chateau Ausone and legendary consultant Michel Rolland. ultimately becoming one of the Right Bank's most heralded winemakers, and lead Chateau Gracia to be called "the quintessential garagiste" by Robert Parker.

Chateau Gracia Saint Emilion: Vineyard and Terroir

Chateau Gracia hosts only 3 hectares in the St. Christophe des Bardes section of Saint-Emilion. Gracia purchased his initial 1.5 hectares in 1998, before adding 1.3 hectares in 2001 and a final 0.3 hectares in 2005. The estate is located in the center of the village on clay and limestone soils to 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines average 40 years of age and are planted at 5,500 vines per hectare, though some sections of the vineyard are planted at 10,000 vines per hectare, one of the densest plantings in all of Saint-Emilion.

Gracia Wine: Style and Portfolio

Chateau Gracia produces only 600 cases of its flagship label each vintage and 300 cases of the separate label, Les Angelots de Gracia. Each vintage is fermented in stainless steel tanks and oak vats, macerated for 28 to 30 days then aged in 100% new French oak barrels. The resulting cuvée is dense, structured, and deep-garnet purple in color. Notable vintages include the 2005 Chateau Gracia, rated 98+ point by Robert Parker, and the 2016 vintage, rated 97+ points by Jeb Dunnuck.

Chateau Gracia Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2016

The 2016 Chateau Gracia has been labelled one of the estate's greatest releases by reputable critics, with Jeb Dunnuck calling it "another magical vintage for this estate." Less than 600 cases were produced, making one of the most sought-after wines on the Right Bank of the past decade.

Les Angelots de Gracia

Les Angelots de Gracia is the chateau's separate label and not a second wine. Fruit for the wine is grown from a unique parcel and vinified on its own. Unlike the flagship Chateau Gracia, Les Angelots de Gracia contains only Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Bottles are less dense and feature softer tannins and produced at nearly half the rate.