Château de Grattequina

Wine: you buy it, talk about it, drink it and collect it; but when all’s said and done, you hardly ever pay a visit to its birthplace. Back to basics, to where it was created and matured with tender loving care: Château de Grattequina opens its doors for us.

A delightful 19^th-Century edifice, the château owes its resurrection to the gales in 1999. In 1986, Xavier and Colette Hue, farmers in the Oise region, expanded and bought a large piece of land on the outskirts of Bordeaux. In the middle of it and standing a few metres from the River Garonne, there was a dilapidated little château that would stay that way until 1999 and its deadly storm. This caused considerable damage to the roof and major work started to evacuate the water. The rest of the restoration would follow as a matter of course. Four years later, Xavier, Colette and their son Stéphane opened this charming hotel with ten rooms, each one prettier and more luxurious than the other with bathrooms that would make many palaces green with envy. To hone this feeling of euphoria, the great service and the river lying a stone’s throw from the hotel add to its relaxing atmosphere. No restaurant but tips on all the best places to eat out in Bordeaux, and 24-hour room service: undemanding and very good. Château de Grattequina offers wine and food tours with châteaux visits lead directly by the owners. Depending on whether you choose a longer or shorter trip, you’ll stay in the Médoc or cross the Garonne to explore Saint-Émilion.

Friendly and dynamic Stéphane, captain of the ship from now on, suggests I take one of his usual tests: three black glasses filled respectively with red, white and rosé, all at the same temperature, which you have to guess. “The results are surprising.” I don’t dare try, even if I do write for Numberwine! Better for massaging your ego, in an instant Stéphane also dresses you up in winemaker guise: he gets you to try some single varietals then asks you to blend them according to taste, but by following a few basic rules too… which he keeps reminding you of. Fascinating. No doubt mine will soon be in Parker!

Now you’re convinced, when’s the best time to go? “All year round. And even if it isn’t the most obvious time of year you think of first of all, in winter you can get into some of the most prominent and sought-after châteaux. It’s much easier to gain access then.”

Édouard Ferri

Château Grattequina

Avenue de Labarde

33290 Blanquefort

Tel. +33 (0)5 56 35 76 76

www.grattequina.com

‘Explore Bordeaux and the Médoc’ package: 2 nights from €219 per day for 2 people.