Château Les Grandes Murailles

The estate takes its name from the medieval stone walls that survive on the property, remnants of a Dominican monastery dating to the 12th century. The Reiffers family held ownership from 1643, one of the longer continuous ownership records in the Bordeaux region, though systematic wine production only began in the 19th century. In 2013, the Cuvelier family purchased the estate, bringing it under the same stewardship as the neighboring Premier Grand Cru Classé Clos Fourtet. Philippe Cuvelier oversaw winemaking during this period. Following the 2022 Saint-Émilion classification, Les Grandes Murailles was formally annexed to Clos Fourtet, and the 2021 vintage stands as the final release under the Les Grandes Murailles label.

• Reiffers family ownership traced to 1643
• Wine production established in the 19th century
• Cuvelier family acquisition in 2013 linked the estate to Clos Fourtet
• Formally merged with Clos Fourtet following the 2022 reclassification

Les Grandes Murailles occupies a privileged position on the upper plateau of Saint-Émilion, one of the most sought-after sites in the appellation. The vineyard is small, covering between 1.46 and 2 hectares, and the soils combine sandy-clay over a limestone base with areas of clayey-limestone. This combination provides good drainage while retaining enough moisture for even ripening. The temperate maritime-continental climate of Saint-Émilion moderates temperatures through the growing season, and the plateau position adds an element of altitude advantage. The entire vineyard is planted to Merlot, a variety well suited to the clay-limestone soils of this part of Saint-Émilion.

• Upper plateau position in Saint-Émilion
• Soils: sandy-clay over limestone and clayey-limestone
• Temperate maritime-continental climate
• Entirely planted to Merlot

The wines of Les Grandes Murailles are described as elegant and mineral-driven, reflecting the limestone-rich soils of the upper plateau. The 100% Merlot composition gives the wines a lush, sensuous texture, while the terroir provides freshness and structure. The style drinks well in relative youth but carries genuine 20-plus year aging potential, which is notable for a wine of this size and production. The mineral character sets it apart from richer, more opulent expressions of Saint-Émilion, making it a wine prized by those who favor precision and finesse over sheer weight.

Les Grandes Murailles held Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé status from 1996 through the 2021 classification cycle. The Saint-Émilion classification is unusual among Bordeaux appellations in that it is subject to periodic revision, unlike the fixed 1855 Médoc classification. Following the 2022 reclassification, the property was annexed to neighboring Clos Fourtet, a Premier Grand Cru Classé (B). This merger means Les Grandes Murailles no longer exists as an independent classified estate, and its vines now contribute to the Clos Fourtet portfolio.

• Grand Cru Classé status held from 1996 to 2021
• Saint-Émilion classification is periodically revised, unlike the 1855 Médoc system
• 2022 reclassification resulted in annexation to Clos Fourtet
• Clos Fourtet holds Premier Grand Cru Classé (B) status