Surrounded by moats and an immense forest, Château Olivier is a fairy-tale setting rooted in the reality of serious winemaking. Owned by the Bethmann family since 1886 on a property dating back to the Middle Ages, Château Olivier is fully committed to crafting wines that express the diversity of their terroir in Bordeaux -- their estate has thirteen different soil types that beautifully influence the flavor profile of their wines. A Grand Cru Classé de Graves in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, Château Olivier is classified in red and white wines.
Bordeaux's legendary status often intimidates consumers but you don't have to be a wine geek to appreciate the beauty of the wines. And contrary to popular belief, not all Bordeaux wines cost a small fortune. The wines of Château Olivier are not exorbitantly priced yet still rich in finesse and elegance.
White: Château Olivier Grand Cru Classé 2014 ($40)
A charming and refreshing blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle that is a perfect match with the warmer temps and lighter foods of spring and summer. Crisp minerality adds structure to vibrant citrus and stone fruit flavors.
Red: Château Olivier Grand Cru Classé 2015
(Bordeaux future, estimated arrival is autumn 2018, about $30. However, the 2012 vintage is currently available for $40 and the 2010 vintage for $45.)
Bordeaux is big on tradition but that doesn't mean that there isn't room for change. Mother Nature was the catalyst for a tremendous innovation at Château Olivier when a 6-hectare plot of compact gravel, the ideal soil base for Cabernet Sauvignon, was discovered on the property in 2002. This special plot, named Bel-Air, has been a major game-changer for their wines and now represents close to 25% of the Grand Vin. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot is round and juicy, the rich fruit flavors are balanced by savory and earthy accents.
If your travels take you to Bordeaux, Château Olivier welcomes visitors -- no need to sneak in via the moat! Cheers!
