Graves de Vayre.
Clay-sandy soil.
Château d'Alvayres is a family-run chateau located in Graves-de-Vayres, on the left bank of the Dordogne River, south of Fronsac, in the Libournay region of Bordeaux.
The land is a mixture of various soils, including clay and gravel, and the mild maritime climate creates a terroir perfect for growing healthy grapes.
The Chatelier family has been making wine here for four generations.
Jean-Julien Chatelier, the great-grandfather of the current owner Jean-Michel, began growing grapes in 1870.
Jean-Michel Chatelier took over the Château from his predecessor in 1984.
When Jean-Michel took over, he restructured the vineyards, choosing the grapes best suited to the site.
Through many years of experience, we have come to understand that the soil of Graves de Vayres is best suited for Merlot, and 98% of the grapes grown there are Merlot (with some Cabernet Franc and Malbec).
Currently, the field is about 60 hectares in size.
These days, Jean-Michel's daughter has been involved in running the chateau.