A UNIQUE TERROIR,
The wealth of a
UNIQUE ECOSYSTEM
Protected by the surrounding forest of hundred-year-old oaks, deciduous woodland, pine forest, copses and grasslands, Château Olivier is a green lung in an urban setting.
At the heart of this 230-hectare estate, the vineyards – 60 hectares, made up of 52 red and 8 white – cover two glacial terraces that give them their wealth and uniqueness.
Virtually the whole of the 230-hectare estate falls under the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Thanks to this, Château Olivier was one of the first estates to map its terroir.
To supplement the geological map that was drawn up when the Pessac-Léognan appellation was created, in 2003 the new team worked with Denis Dubourdieu and Xavier Choné to produce a geological inventory that revealed the estate’s winemaking potential. A total of 13 different soil types were identified (gravel, clay, limestone, blue marl and more).
This represented a true return to Château Olivier’s roots, as vines were planted here in the 18th century. After six years of work (three years of soil research and three years for the vine cycle), the Bel Air terroir is now considered on a par with the best terroirs in the appellation or the clayey gravel of Saint-Julien.
The evolution of the vineyard map has naturally prompted an evolution in the style of Château Olivier’s wine: increasing the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot has enabled positive adaptation to climate change.
For the white grape varieties, a massal selection of old Semillon clones was performed in conjunction with the Association for the Protect White Bordeaux Grape Varieties, created by Xavier Planty.
Château Olivier prioritises these limestone and limestone-clay terroirs for its fine white wines, precise and structured whilst also revealing huge complexity after a few years.
Château Olivier, located within easy reach of Bordeaux, has been a Cru Classé de Graves for red and white wines since 1953.
Soil and subsoil studies conducted on the estate, starting in 2003, have revealed the land’s winemaking potential.
The estate’s conversion to organic growing came naturally from 2016 onwards as a logical step based on the Bethmann family’s environmental commitment.
Château Olivier is proud to hold 3 certifications: Organic (from vintage 2024), HV3 (from vintage 2016) and ISO 14001.
