Château Les Graves de Viaud

Château Les Graves de Viaud – La Colombine: an organic, biodynamic and vegan estate looking to the future

An ancient heritage with a resolutely modern vision. The estate has existed since 1850 and appeared in the Féret guide as early as 1875, an early sign of its reputation. For nearly half a century, until 1993, the grapes were delivered to the Pugnac cooperative winery.

The story took a new turn in 1994, when Gilles and Pascale Derouineau took over the vineyard, built new cellars and resumed winemaking on site. From their very first vintage, they were noticed in *Les Grands Vins de France* and went on to receive numerous medals and awards.

In 2010, Philippe Betschart and his mother Françoise acquired the estate. Coming from a Bordeaux négociant family, they reconnected with their roots while bringing a new energy. Their vision? Producing living wines—committed, vibrant, respectful of the terroir.

They naturally transitioned the vineyard to organic farming, then to Demeter-certified biodynamics, and developed vegan cuvées free from any animal-derived inputs. A rare, demanding and fully embraced approach.

An estate committed to ethics, nature and authenticity

Covering 15 hectares, including 5.5 hectares of vines planted on south-facing clay-gravel soils, the estate embodies a precise philosophy: letting nature express itself.

The agricultural approach goes far beyond certifications. It includes:

• – conservation agriculture (zero tillage),
• – complete absence of animal manure,
• – the use of herbal teas, Bordeaux mixture and biodynamic preparations,
• – natural yeast and bacterial fermentations,
• – vine management focused on balance and vitality.

The objective is simple: producing sincere, vibrant wines in harmony with their ecosystem.

Natural vinification and precise ageing

Demeter specifications require winemaking without additives. Only sulfur is permitted, in controlled quantities.

Fermentations rely on indigenous yeasts, with long macerations (25 to 35 days) and gentle extractions—punch-downs or rack-and-return depending on the vintage.

Ageing methods vary according to the cuvée:

• – fruit-driven wines are aged in tanks or in amphorae made of stoneware or clay, with weekly lees stirring for one year;
• – other cuvées are matured in French oak barrels, with their size and age selected according to the vintage and desired style.

Every decision aims for the same goal: preserving fruit purity, revealing the terroir and respecting the soul of the wine.

La Colombine: a project and a signature

In 2014, the family created the La Colombine brand, dedicated to natural wines from the estate and complemented by a few white micro-cuvées from committed partner growers.

This collection reflects a clear intention: offering free, sincere wines that express the deep connection between terroir and nature.

The cuvées of Château Les Graves de Viaud – La Colombine

Each cuvée expresses a different nuance of the terroir and the estate’s philosophy:

• – Les Cadets: a fruit-driven, generous, immediate wine, perfect for discovering the biodynamic style.
• – Terroir: an organic and biodynamic cuvée revealing the pure expression of clay-gravel soils.
• – Réserve: depth, structure and elegance, born from meticulous selection.
• – La Cuvée de Mère l’O: a vegan and biodynamic wine, vibrant and almost aerial.
• – Origine: the essential cuvée, the one that tells the story of the project and the identity of the estate.

Every season matters

Throughout the seasons, the team works with patience: dynamisation in spring, natural protection in summer, precise harvesting in autumn, long and respectful ageing in winter.

A complete cycle, lived in respect for life.

To discover the essence of the estate, would you like to begin with a fruit-driven cuvée like “Les Cadets,” or with the deeper biodynamic expression of “Réserve” or “Origine” ?