We’re thrilled to welcome a fresh, fruit-forward Bordeaux to the Friarwood portfolio – 2023 Château Graves du Champ des Chails, from the progressive collective Vignobles Gabriel & Co on Bordeaux’s Right Bank.
A Family Story, Re-energised
The estate’s modern chapter began in 2005, when a new generation took over the family vineyards and coined the name Les Graves du Champ des Chails – a nod to the gravelly soils and the lieu-dit that shapes this wine’s character. What started as 25 hectares has grown thoughtfully to around 40, with bottling at the property to protect quality from vine to glass.
That family story connects directly to Vignobles Gabriel & Co, whose roots stretch back to 1904, when Gabriel Bruneteau founded Domaine du Grand Moulin in Saint-Aubin-de-Blaye. Four generations later, Jean-François Réaud revived the original spirit and set out an ambitious vision: unite like-minded growers across the Right Bank under a shared banner of quality, fairness and environmental responsibility.
Ethical Winegrowing – Fair for Life
Vignobles Gabriel & Co operates a hybrid model that balances cooperation, commerce and independence. Contracts are transparent and renewed annually; growers are fairly remunerated with quality-based bonuses and premiums for organic, biodynamic or no-added-sulphites practices. In 2020, the collective became the first French wine actor certified for fair trade by Ecocert’s Fair for Life programme.
Sustainability isn’t a slogan here – it’s measurable progress. Over two-thirds of member vineyards are certified organic or in conversion; the remainder are HVE3 (the highest French environmental certification). Shared expertise, collective tastings and open technical support are all designed to lift quality year on year.
About the Wine
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Appellation: Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
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Blend: 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec
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Origin: Saint-Aubin-de-Blaye, Bordeaux, France
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Philosophy: Part of the Fair for Life project – fair pricing and responsible supply chains
The gravel-rich soils of Blaye bring brightness and lift to Merlot’s generous fruit, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds backbone and Malbec brings a pleasing, gently spicy dimension.
Tasting Notes
A fresh, inviting nose of cherry and blackcurrant leads, with subtle toasted nuances from élevage. The palate is round, supple and elegant – juicy red-and-black fruits wrapped in fine, soft tannins. The finish is lively and refreshing, encouraging the next sip and making this a standout everyday Bordeaux.
Short note (for the time-poor): Bright cherry and cassis with a touch of toast; supple, rounded palate; fresh, moreish finish. Effortless Right Bank charm.
Food Pairing
Versatility is the watchword. Try it with:
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Red meats – grilled steaks, roast lamb chops, bistro burgers
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Tomato-based pasta – ragù, penne all’arrabbiata, lasagne
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Fresh, mild cheeses – Tomme, young Comté, Lancashire
It’s equally at home with a charcuterie board or a simple weeknight roast chicken – the freshness keeps everything in balance.
Why We’ve Chosen It
At Friarwood, we champion producers whose values mirror our own: quality, integrity and sustainability. Château Graves du Champ des Chails delivers:
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Real Bordeaux character without heaviness
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Ethical credentials you can stand behind – Fair for Life and environment-first farming
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Drinkability that suits both casual evenings and smart bistro fare
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Outstanding value for a Right Bank wine with clear provenance
When to Drink
Delicious now for its vibrant fruit and supple texture; it will drink beautifully over the next 2–4 years as the components knit even further.
Final Pour
2023 Château Graves du Champ des Chails is Bordeaux for today – authentic, generous and responsibly made. It’s the perfect bottle to open mid-week, to bring to a neighbourhood BYO, or to stock for relaxed weekend lunches.
Ready to taste the softer, more easy-going side of Bordeaux? Discover Château Graves du Champ des Chails at Friarwood Wines – available now.
