The Bonnie family fell in love with the Château Malartic-Lagravière, buying it in 1997. They overhauled the vineyards, added back some historic plots, built a new winery and restored the beautiful château.
Sharing the magic
Their children, Véronique and Jean-Jacques Bonnie with his wife Séverine, now run the family vineyard, and their objective is to share both their property and its wines with guests creating unforgettable experiences. After a tour, they will open up the private dining room of the chateau for lunch and even invite you into the chateau kitchens to work with the chef, creating classic French dishes to enjoy with their wines.
There’s plenty of wine to choose from. As well as the red and white wines of Château Malartic-Lagravière, there’s wines from neighbouring Château Gazin Rocquencourt, and Bodega DiamAndes in Mendoza, Argentina. Properties purchased in 2005. You’ll find all these wines at the property.
Location
Château Malartic-Lagravière is in Léognan, just 15 kms from the city of Bordeaux so ideally situated for wine tourism. You wouldn’t know it is so close to the city as it’s surrounded by nature. As well as the vineyard, the ancient woodland is classified and they share with visitors the woods, farm and gardens (classed “Jardins Remarquables” in 2008) as well as the vineyard, all part of their protected ecosystem.
A new experience this year is ‘Following Malartic’s trails’ – a walking itinerary through the estate and the vineyard to discover their unique ecosystem. They have joined the ‘La Bulle Verte – Slow Exploration’ network for the 2024 season. Explore either with a guide or on your own by following the “La Bulle Verte” guide points. At each stop, you’ll learn about the vineyard, the environmental philosophy and entire agroecological project, via audio or video. Of course, the tour ends with a wine and gourmet plate tasting. If you do want to stay in the great outdoors, they also offer a ‘picnic chic’ with a mixed grill prepared by the chef and served on the lawn of the elegant chateau.
Read all about it
Whilst you are planning your visit to the chateau, discover the food and wine magic thanks to their book, The Four Seasons of Malartic, stories and recipes of the Bonnie family. First published during lockdown, when they were frustrated not to be able welcome visitors to the chateau, they created this personal family history. It takes a look at the day-to-day life of the château punctuated by what each of the seasons brings to the estate, not only food but the activity in the cellars and in the vineyards. All the family contributed, giving their favourite recipes. They are generous with their wine matching recommendations too, recommending not only their own wines but those of Bordeaux neighbours and further afield, and even a Belgian beer!
Always concerned about pampering its guests, Malartic offers a multitude of tasty experiences fort which they won a Best Of Wine Tourism Award this year.
In fact, on top of the “Chef’s workshop” (original cooking class showcasing dishes adapted from the family’s recipe book metionned above), Malartic offers a cheese workshop, a Gourmet Break, and a Chic & British Picnic, The Bonnie Family’s residence also hosts “Lunches at Malartic” in its private dining rooms. After a tour of the estate, you will enjoy seasonal and locally inspired delights in a peaceful and exclusive setting. Olivier, the in-house chef, will sublimate the three wines from the Vignobles Malartic that will accompany this dining experience. Malartic’s art of hospitality goes hand in hand with wine and gastronomy.
Their love of food took an interesting turn in February this year. Sponsors of the American Cinematheque since 2019, they served the red and white wines of Malartic-Lagravière at this year’s gala dinner. Helen Mirren, the award winner, signed a bottle of 2016 Château Malartic-Lagravière engraved with her name and chose the food charity, Meals on Wheels West for them to donate to.
From Pessac-Léognan to Hollywood, Food and wine is an international language Château Malartic-Lagravière speaks so well.
Author : Wendy Narby - Insider Tasting Photo credits : ©latelierdestyle ©chateaumalarticlagraviere Video credits : ©nader_fahkry