Vignobles Bardet has always been at the heart of the Saint-Emilion appellation. Château Val d’Or, Château Pontet-Fumet and Château Franc Le Maine are labelled Saint-Emilion Grand Cru and are eloquent examples of the Bardet family’s heritage and unique expertise.
Chateau Val d’Or – Historic
Château Val d’Or is the Bardet family’s historical property not far from the village of Vignonet, south of Saint-Emilion. It owes its title to the old Occitan name of a small village “Orval” in Dordogne, where Henry-Gabriel Bardet, Paul-Arthur and Thibault’s great grandfather, originally came from.
This Saint-Emilion Grand Cru appellation wine displays a purple velvety robe that is dark and vivid. It reveals an elegant, expressive nose with characteristic highlights of black fruit and exotic wood that stand out against fragrances of Morello cherries, cocoa, ripe blackcurrant and sandal wood. Although it is perfectly ripe, it nevertheless delights the palate with its freshness. It is round and big on the palate with underlying flavours of black plum and Morello cherry mixed with burnt toast. It has obvious potential.
Chateau Pontet-Fumet – The Legacy
Having acquired more vines planted in the Pontet hamlet and built a cellar in Fumet, Roger Bardet made the first tanks of Château Pontet-Fumet in 1962. His grandsons, Paul-Arthur and Thibault Bardet, watch over this fine legacy located in the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru appellation area on the right bank of the River Gironde south of Saint-Emilion.
Château Pontet Fumet sports a lovely robe with garnet and ruby tints. It reveals a multi-layered, elegant nose. It is generous and silky on the palate, and its dense, balanced structure is enhanced by good length. It is an ideal match for meats in sauce that are not too spicy and truffled dishes.
Chateau Franc Le Maine – Sleeping Beauty
Acquired by Philippe Bardet in 2008, Château Franc Le Maine is located south-east of the village of Saint-Laurent des Combes. This vineyard produces wine with a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru label. It was originally planted in the 15th century and is nicknamed “Sleeping Beauty”. Since its acquisition, it has benefited from extensive drainage and work to stimulate its ecosystem.
Château Franc le Maine wines display a robe ranging from dark ruby to purple and reveal a fresh, lively, expressive nose. They are elegant and persistent on the palate and have appealing density, balance and length.
